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THE     PSALTEE 


THE  AMERICAN 


METRICAL    PSALTER. 


YE' 


m^H' 


XEW    YORK: 
F.    J.    HUNTINGTON, 

BROOME    STREET. 
1864. 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1S64, 

By  F.  J.  HUNTINGTON, 

In  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  United  States  for 
the  Southern  District  of  New  York. 


C.   A.   ALVOKD,   STEKEOTYPER   AND   PRINTER. 


TO    THE 

^lisbojjs  of  the  jj^roicstani  (Episcopal  (Tbnrcb 

IK    THE    UNITED    STATES. 

THIS    ATTEMPT 

TO      PRESERVE      METRICAL      PSALMODY 

IN     THE     CHURCH, 

AND   TO    SECURE 

AN    ENTIRE     METRICAL    PSALTER, 

IS  INSCRIBED. 

WITH     FILIAL     REVERENCE 

AND 

FRATERNAL     AFFECTION. 


PREFACE 


Almost  as  soon  as  the  English  Bible  and 
the  English  Common  Prayer,  the  Psalter  in 
English  metre  became  also  the  possession  of 
oar  fathers.  It  was  a  necessity,  because  our 
language,  and  those  other  languages  which 
are  its  nearest  kindred,  demand  for  songs 
which  are  to  be  the  voice  of  the  people,  the 
charms,  subordinate  though  they  be,  of  meas- 
ure and  of  rhyme.  No  workman  at  his  toil, 
no  maiden  in  her  hour  of  gladness  or  of  sad- 
ness, no  soldier  on  the  march,  ever  thinks  of 
singing  any  thing  but  verse.  The  grander 
music  of  the  skilful  choir,  appealing  to  the 
highly  educated  taste  of  a  few,  may  disregard 
modulations  so  simple ;  but  the  popular  bal- 
lad and  hymn  must  keep  pace  with  the  com- 
mon feelings  of  mankind. 

In  truth,  the  early  versions  of  the  Psalms 
in  English  metre,  were  simply  designed  to 
be  such  an  arrangement  of  the  words  of  the 


Tl  PREFACE. 

English  Psalter  that  they  might  be  capable 
of  being  sung  to  familiar  music.  It  was  as 
near  to  the  prose  as  was  possible  for  lines  of 
eight  and  six  syllables  with  a  rhyme  at  the 
end  of  the  second  and  fourth  lines.  The  verse 
was  framed  only  for  the  sake  of  the  tune,  and 
made  no  claim  of  its  own  to  elegance  or  mel- 
ody. If  at  any  time  it  had  for  a  moment 
the  smoothness  of  a  ballad,  it  was  little  more 
than  a  happy  accident.  Such  was  the  version 
of  Sternhold  and  Hopkins,  which,  partially 
published  when  the  Prayer-Book  of  Edward 
the  Sixth  was  established  in  1549,  and  com- 
pleted in  the  beginning  of  the  reign  of  Queen 
Elizabeth,  was  thenceforth  sung  in  the  Church 
of  England  for  more  than  a  hundred  and 
thirty  years,  and  by  four  generations.  Such 
was  the  Scottish  version,  which  had  occa- 
sionally a  kind  of  tenderness,  as  of  plaintive 
notes  heard  among  moors  and  mountains. 
Such  was  the  New  England  version,  but 
from  first  to  last  without  a  line  which  by  any 
quality  of  point,  or  strength,  or  flow,  could 
secure  attention  or  remembrance. 

In  the  course  of  this  long  period,  several 
of  the  noblest  pens  in  English  literature  were 
exercised  on  paraphrases  of  different  kinds, 
which  were  generally  not  adapted  to  music, 
nor  intended  for  the  assembled  congregation. 


PREFACE.  \\\ 

Sir  Philip  Sidney  and  his  accomplished  sis- 
ter, the  Countess  of  Pembroke,  versified  the 
whole  book,  in  an  exuberant  variety  of  meas- 
ure, and  a  rich  and  poetic  diction.  George 
Sandys  threw  into  his  version,  from  which  a 
few  Psalms  have  been  occasionally  reprinted, 
a  more  lyrical  warmth  and  energy.  The  pie- 
ty of  Herbert  did  not  entirely  overlook  this 
congenial  labour:  it  was  not  disdained  by  the 
genius  of  Milton  ;  and  the  easy  hand  of  Den- 
ham  essayed  the  whole. 

But  it  is  a  striking  reflection,  that  through 
all  those  days  of  learning  and  sanctity,  of 
valour  and  martyrdom,  consecrated  to  the 
cause  of  the  Church  of  England,  it  sang  but 
three  or  four  metrical  Hymns,  and  no  metri- 
cal Psalms  save  those  of  Sternhold  and  his 
associates.  No  one  can  deem  it  strange  that 
Bishop  Burnet,  writing  towards  the  close  of 
that  period,  should  say,  "this  piece  of  Divine 
worship,  by  the  meanness  of  the  verse,  has  not 
maintained  its  due  esteem."  A  general  feel- 
ing was  expressed  by  a  correspondent  of 
Archbishop  Tillotson,  who  wrote,  "a  good 
translation  in  metre  would  remove  one  of 
the  justest  exceptions  against  our  worship, 
contribute  much  to  devotion,  and  be  received, 
at  this  juncture,  with  little  or  no  jealousy,  or 
outcry  of  the  people." 


viii  PREFACE. 

The  task  accordingly  was  intrusted,  soon 
after  the  Kevolution  of  1688,  to  Tate,  the 
Poet  Laureate  of  the  day,  and  a  clerical  co- 
adjutor, Dr.  Brady  ;  and  the  result  was  the 
"New  Version,"  which,  after  a  struggle,  took 
its  place  in  all  English  churches.  That  even 
men  like  Bishop  Beveridge  disliked  the 
change,  was  partly  from  the  associations  of 
the  elder  version  with  the  services  of  the 
sanctuary  in  their  youth,  and  partly  from 
the  less  literal  correspondence  of  the  new 
with  the  sacred  text.  It  attempted  a  more 
free  expression  in  a  more  modern  style  ;  and, 
although  often  disfigured  by  an.  almost  crimi- 
nal carelessness,  it  gave  to  the  worshipper 
many  a  flowing  and  sonorous  stanza,  which 
soon  became  a  part  of  the  memories  most 
reverentially  cherished  in  ten  thousand  con- 
gregations. 

The  next  generation  saw  two  sweet  para- 
phrases of  Addison  glide  into  universal  use 
and  remembrance.  At  the  same  time,  Watts 
"accommodated,"  to  use  his  own  form  of 
words,  "the  Psalms  of  David  to  Christian 
worship  ;"  "being  the  first  to  lead  the  Psalm- 
ist of  Israel  into  the  Church  of  Christ,  with- 
out any  thing  of  a  Jew  about  him."  This 
was  a  compromise  between  a  translation  and 
such  a  mere  adaptation  as  he  disliked  in  his 


PREFACE.  u 

predecessor,  Patrick,  who,  in  a  paraphrase, 
then  much  in  favour  in  many  religious  as- 
semblies, had  introduced  the  very  phrases  of 
the  Gospel.  The  Psalms  of  Watts,  with  his 
Hymns,  became  the  special  inheritance  of  the 
Dissenters  in  England,  and  of  the  Congrega- 
tionalists  in  America :  and.  notwithstanding 
many  defects  in  taste  and  versification,  were 
a  treasure  of  sacred  song. 

About  the  middle  of  the  eighteenth  cen- 
tury, James  Merrick,  an  excellent  clergyman 
of  the  Church,  published  his  Annotations 
and  his  Poetical  Version.  But  it  was  avow- 
edly not  his  design  "to  accommodate  the 
Psalms  to  the  uses  of  public  worship  and  a 
general  Christian  congregation.'"  William 
Goode,  on  the  other  hand,  a  pious  clergyman 
of  half  a  century  later,  declared  his  intention 
to  do  exactly  this,  '"designedly  writing  to  the 
many/'  and  "adopting  the  variety  of  meas- 
ures now  in  use."  About  one-third  of  the 
Psalms  were,  wholly  or  in  part,  versified 
by  a  true  poet,  James  Montgomery,  some- 
times with  signal  felicity,  but  with  much  lati- 
tude. Bishop  Richard  Mant,  also,  in  meas- 
ures, some  of  which  were  more  suited  to  mu- 
sic than  others,  gave  to  the  entire  book  an 
accurate  translation,  of  sustained  poetic  spirit. 

The  Church  of  England  continued,  as  it 


x  PREFACE. 

still  continues,  to  bind  up  with  its  Prayer- 
Book  the  complete  Version  of  Tate  and  Bra- 
dy ;  while,  in  the  various  collections  of 
Hymns  which  are  chosen  by  clergymen  and 
congregations,  many  Psalms  have  been  intro- 
duced from,  other  translators.  The  Ameri- 
can Episcopal  Church,  in  1832,  set  forth  a 
Selection  of  metrical  Psalms,  along  with  the 
Hymns  which,  six  years  before,  had  been 
collected  and  authorized.  This  Selection 
contained  parts  of  a  hundred  and  twenty-four 
Psalms  out  of  the  hundred  and  fifty ;  and  all 
but  eleven  were  taken  from  Tate  and  Brady, 
so  that  it  was  little  more  than  a  curtailment. 
In  a  very  short  time  the  Selection  superseded 
the  full  Psalter,  in  all  editions  of  the  Prayer- 
Book,  and  in  all  congregations.  Since  the 
adoption  of  this  abridgment,  not  only  have 
the  beautiful  imitations  of  Ly te  been  brought 
into  notice,  but  the  entire  book  has  been  sev- 
eral times  versified  anew.  The  "  Oxford 
Psalter"  of  Mr.  Keble,  the  "  Cleveland  Psal- 
ter" of  Archdeacon  Churton,  and  the  "  Cam- 
bridge Psalter,"  have  all  appeared  in  Eng- 
land ;  and  in  America,  a  version,  published  in 
1840,  by  one  who  is  responsible  for  much  of 
the  present  volume.  In  the  mean  while,  the 
Selection  has  by  no  means  extinguished  the 
sentiment  from  which  it  had  its  origin.     It  is 


PREFACE.  \i 

little  more  than  the  happiest  part  of  that 
Version  which  had  failed  to  satisfy  the  gen- 
eral taste ;  and,  at  the  same  time,  it  has  all 
the  deficiencies  inseparable  from  a  book  of 
extracts. 

Amidst  the  frequent  discussions  of  the 
Hymnody  of  the  Church,  both  in  private  and 
in  official  circles,  the  proposal  has  been  heard, 
and  heard  with  wide  assent,  that  the  metrical 
Psalms  should  be  entirely  laid  aside,  except 
a  few  which,  for  any  striking  excellence, 
might  find  among  the  Hymns  an  honourable 
place.  A  movement  in  the  direction  of  so 
serious  a  change  is  supported  by  several  ar- 
guments. 

It  is  not  maintained  in  the  Church  that  the 
Psalms  are  not  fitted  for  Christian  worship : 
that  their  imagery  and  sentiments  have  been 
abrogated  with  the  Mosaic  covenant.  The 
conspicuous  position  and  constant  use  of  the 
Psalter  in  prose  forbid  any  such  assumption  ; 
and  as  every  part  of  every  Psalm  is  there 
read,  we  are  precluded  from  rejecting  a  sin- 
gle line  on  a  ground  like  this.  It  was  an 
inconsistency  if  any  such  principle  was  per- 
mitted to  have  influence  in  abridging  the 
metrical  Psalter. 

But  it  is  maintained,  that  since  we  have, 
now   a   considerable    treasure    of    Christian 


xii  PREFACE. 

Hymns,  which  must  be  more  directly  appro- 
priate in  their  language  and  allusions ;  and 
since  the  Psalms  are  read  in  their  own  glo- 
rious garb  of  majestic  prose ;  and  since  they 
may,  in  the  same  garb,  be  sung  in  many  more 
churches  than  now  ;  and  since  there  is  no 
metrical  version  which  can  content  our  age,  it 
is  better  to  cease  from  this  long  struggle 
against  inherent  difficulties ;  and  to  suffer  the 
metrical  Psalter  to  pass  into  oblivion,  or 
maintain  itself,  if  it  can,  in  the  parlor  or 
closet  alone. 

Christian  hymns,  of  course,  speak  more 
strictly  the  idiom  of  the  Gospel,  and  tell  its 
truths  with  greater  simplicity  and  complete- 
ness ;  but  they  are  not  therefore  sufficient  for 
those  who  have  the  key  to  other  and  older 
treasures,  not  of  metal  so  costly,  but  stamped 
more  indisputably  with  the  Divine  coinage. 
We  do  not  read  the  prophecies  of  Isaiah  with 
less  joy  or  comfort  because  we  have  the  doc- 
trine of  St.  Paul ;  much  less  because  the 
preacher  in  every  pulpit  speaks  more  dis- 
tinctly of  Christ  than  the  most  sublime  of  the 
prophets.  The  Psalms  came  from  the  Spirit 
of  inspiration :  the  Hymns  are  the  work  of 
mortals.  All  worshippers  feel  that  their 
steps  are  surer  when  they  tread  on  holy 
ground. 


PREFACE.  xiii 

We  have  the  Psalms  in  prose ;  but  shall 
public  worship  be  deprived  of  any  innocent, 
touching,  and  long  cherished  attraction  ? 
Verse  has  a  charm  for  the  ear,  a  power  to 
bind  hearts  together  by  the  sweetness  of 
united  song,  and  a  chain  of  its  own  by  which 
it  fastens  itself  to  the  memory.  The  ques- 
tion, "  Why  should  the  Psalms  be  in  verse?'' 
if  it  were  not  sufficiently  answered  by  the 
corresponding  question,  "Why  should  they 
not  be  in  verse  ?"  has  received  its  reply  from 
the  experience  of  three  centuries.  The  young 
love  the  sound ;  it  is  dear  to  all  through  as- 
sociation with  lofty,  tender,  or  stirring  tunes ; 
and  it  is  so  remembered  as  to  haunt  us  in 
solitary  hours,  and  to  come  back  continually 
to  the  lips.  Few  can  recite  consecutively 
three  or  four  verses  of  any  Psalm  in  prose ; 
but  multitudes  have  whole  Psalms  of  Tate 
and  of  Watts  in  such  recollection,  that  they 
will  carry  them  along  with  them  to  the  very 
gate  of  death.  The  story  of  the  birth-night 
of  our  Lord,  in  the  Gospel  of  Saint  Luke,  has 
been  thrown  into  the  simplest  verse  in  that 
hymn  which  begins, 

"While  shepherds  watched  their  flocks  by  night." 

There  was  no  reason  for  versifying  it,  except 
that  it  might  be  sung,  and  that  it  might  be 


XIV  PREFACE. 

remembered :  and  it  is  sung  and  remember- 
ed wherever  the  English  tongue  is  spoken. 
Shall  we  refuse  to  hear  that  sacred  ballad 
any  more  ?  If  not,  why  should  an  iron  rule 
impose  silence  on  the  metrical  Psalms,  be- 
cause the  same  Psalms  are  said  and  can  be 
sung  without  metre  ?  They  are  poems  :  why 
should  they  never  put  on  that  dress  which, 
in  our  language,  belongs  to  poetry  ? 

In  prose,  they  are  sung  in  some  churches, 
scarcely  numerous  enough  at  present  to  be 
even  numbered.  Can  it  ever  be  that  such 
music,  whether  ornate  or  monotonous,  shall 
supersede  the  Psalmody  which  has  been 
loved  so  long?  The  attempt  would  be  a 
disastrous  blow  at  the  popular  affection  for 
the  services  of  our  public  worship,  and  would 
only  need  to  be  followed  by  a  like  assault  on 
metrical  Hymns,  which  the  Church  once  so 
neglected  to  its  own  lasting  loss.  If  metrical 
Hymns  are  to  be  sung,  surely  the  claim  of 
metrical  Psalms  is  not  to  be  denied  on  any 
principle  of  general  criticism  :  but  if  both 
alike  could  be  superseded  by  the  custom  of 
chanting  the  Psalter,  the  utmost  surrender 
would  have  taken  place  which  has  been  in 
our  times  exacted  by  a  misguided  taste  from 
the  devotion  of  the  people. 

The  only  valid  defence  of  such  a  measure 


PREFACE.  it 

as  the  disuse  of  Psalms  in  metre  is,  if  it  be 
true,  that  no  satisfactory  version  is  found  in 
the  English  language.  It  is  the  design  of  the 
present  volume  to  test  this  argument.  Eigh- 
teen versions,  the  whole  of  those  which  have 
attained  such  a  place  in  sacred  literature  as  to 
be  anywhere  cited,  or  anywhere  easily  acces- 
sible, have  been  consulted  and  compared; 
and  of  these,  fourteen  have  contributed  to 
this  compilation.  If  it  is  not  the  most  fault- 
less of  all  the  entire  versions  in  our  lan- 
guage, and  if  it  does  not  include  whatever  is 
most  excellent  in  each,  so  far  as  each  is  fitted 
for  the  purposes  of  public  worship,  it  has 
failed  to  reach  its  aim. 

In  the  attempt  to  perform  such  a  service 
to  the  Church  of  Christ,  it  has  been  held 
right  to  overlook  all  considerations  of  indi- 
vidual authorship.  It  matters  but  little  to 
the  Church  that  it  knows  not,  with  very  few 
exceptions,  from  what  pen  proceeded  any  one 
of  its  prayers  or  collects ;  and  the  name  of 
the  versifier  of  a  Psalm  is  of  still  less  mo- 
ment. For  the  same  cause,  a  part  of  a 
Psalm,  a  verse,  a  line,  even  a  mere  phrase, 
has  been  taken  without  hesitation  from  one 
writer,  and  interwoven  with  the  work  of 
another :  and  any  change  which  seemed  an 
improvement  has  been  introduced  with  the 


XVI  PREFACE. 

consciousness  of  absolute  freedom.  If  the 
result  has  been  success,  no  other  j  testification 
is  demanded.  If  it  has  been  any  thing  but 
success,  the  happiness  may  still  be  left  for 
later  hands ;  but  not,  it  is  believed,  from  the 
present  resources  of  our  language  and  litera- 
ture. 

In  the  mean  time,  this  Psalter  in  English 
verse  is  commended  to  the  kindly  favour  of 
the  Church,  and  to  the  gracious  acceptance 
of  Almighty  God.  G.  B. 

Gardiner,  Easter,  1861. 


THE    PSALTER. 


PSALM  I. 

Blest  is  the  man  who  will  not  stray 
Where  godless  dreams  allure  his  feet ; 

Who  stands  not  in  the  sinner's  way, 
And  sits  not  in  the  scorners  seat ; 

But  in  the  statutes  of  the  Lord 
Has,  day  by  day,  his  best  delight, 

The  strength  that  cheers  his  morning  board, 
The  peace  that  smooths  his  couch  at  night. 

He,  like  the  tree  around  whose  root 
Bright  waters  never  cease  to  glide, 

Yields  his  green  leaf  and  mellow  fruit, 
Each  in  its  pleasant  time  and  tide. 

Xot  thus  the  wicked  wait  their  doom 
From  that  just  hand  that  fans  the  grain  : 

The  winnowing  winds  shall  whirl  their  bloom, 
Like  chaff  that  strews  the  withered  plain. 


12  THE    PSALTER. 

They  shall  not  stand  in  that  dread  day; 

They  shall  not  mingle  with  the  just : 
For  God  has  marked  the  good  man's  way, 

And  guilt's  proud  road  shall  end  in  dust. 


PSALM  II. 

Why  roars  with  unavailing  sound 

The  nations'  stormy  surge  ? 
The  kings  of  earth  in  league  are  bound, 

And  desperate  onset  urge : 

Against  the  Lord  they  lift  their  hands, 

Against  His  Christ  they  say, 
"  Now  burst  we  from  their  fettering  bands, 

And  hurl  their  chains  away !" 

Enthroned  above  the  tranquil  sky, 
The  Lord  surveys  and  smiles  : 

He  laughs  to  scorn  their  swelling  cry, 
He  mocks  their  idle  wiles  ; 

Aud  now  He  speaks,  and  o'er  them  ring 

The  peals  of  coming  ill ; 
"  I  seat  mine  own  anointed  King 

On  Sion's  holy  hill." 

Then,  hearken  to  the  Lord's  decree ; 

"  This  day  my  Son  art  thou  : 
Ask,  and  the  heathen  thine  shall  be, 

And  earth's  far  ends  shall  bow. 


THE    PSALTER.  13 

Thou,  with  an  iron  sceptre's  sway, 

Shalt  bend  them  to  thy  right ; 
And  like  a  vase  of  fragile  clay, 

Shalt  crush  their  scattered  might." 

O  judges  of  the  earth,  give  ear ; 

O  kings,  be  timely  wise ; 
Rejoice  with  trembling,  serve  with  fear 

The  Sovereign  of  the  skies  : 

Do  homage  to  the  royal  Son ; 

For,  if  His  wrath  but  glow, 
Oh,  blest  are  they  whose  peace  is  won 

Before  the  whelming  woe  ! 


PSALM  III. 

O  Lord,  how  many  are  my  foes, 

The  troublers  of  my  peace ! 
And  hourly  as  their  number  grows, 

Their  impious  vaunts  increase. 

How  many  lips  my  soul  upbraid, 

And  Him  whom  I  adore ! 
"God  whom  he  trusts,"  they  cry,  "shall  aid 

His  failing  arm  no  more." 

But  thou,  O  Lord,  art  still  my  shield ; 

On  thee  my  hopes  rely : 
Thy  hand  my  glorious  guard  shall  yield, 

And  lift  my  head  on  high. 


14  THE    PSALTER. 

Since  whensoe'er  in  days  of  ill 
To  God  I  made  my  prayer, 

He  heard  me  from  His  holy  hill, 
Why  should  I  now  despair  ? 

In  peace  I  laid  me  down  and  slept, 
And  rose  from  sweeetest  rest ; 

For  o'er  me  He  His  vigil  kept, 
And  all  my  slumbers  blest. 

Though  hostile  myriads  round  me  close, 

And  aim  the  deadly  dart, 
No  force  or  fury  of  my  foes 

Shall  daunt  my  steadfast  heart. 

Arise,  and  save  me,  O  my  God, 
And  send  thy  long-tried  grace : 

To  thee  belongs  the  avenging  rod 
That  smote  the  oppressor's  face, 

And  crushed  in  gore  his  tiger  jaws  ! 

Salvation,  Lord,  is  thine ! 
And  on  thy  people  and  thy  cause 

Forever  shalt  thou  shine. 


THE    PSALTER.  15 


PSALM  IV. 

God  of  my  righteousness,  give  ear ! 

As  thou  my  galling  chain 
Hast  broken  in  past  days  of  fear, 

Have  mercy,  Lord,  again! 

O  mortal  men,  whose  pride  denies 

My  praise  its  glory  due, 
How  long  shall  last  your  dream  of  lies, 

To  charm  the  heart  untrue  ? 

Oh,  turn,  and  know  :  the  righteous  man 

Is  God's  peculiar  choice ; 
And  ever  as  my  prayer  began, 

He  heard  the  trembling  voice. 

Before  Him  stand  with  godly  dread ; 

Shun  every  deed  of  ill ; 
And  with  your  heart,  and  on  your  bed, 

Hold  converse,  and  be  still. 

Come  with  the  soul's  pure  sacrifice, 

The  offering  of  the  just; 
And  lift  to  heaven  your  faithful  eyes, 

And  make  the  Lord  your  trust. 

While  worldly  minds  impatient  pine 
More  prosperous  times  to  see, 

Let  thy  bright  countenance  but  shine, 
O  glorious  Lord,  on  me. 


16  THE    PSALTER. 

So  shall  my  heart  with  gladness  glow, 

Beyond  what  autumn  yields 
When  the  rich  vineyards  all  o'erflow, 

And  smile  the  harvest  fields. 

Thus  with  my  thoughts  composed  to  praise, 

I  give  mine  eyes  to  sleep : 
Thy  hand  in  safety  keeps  my  days, 

And  will  my  slumbers  keep. 


PSALM  V. 

Lord,  listen  to  the  praise  I  bring ; 

Accept  my  secret  prayer  : 
To  thee  alone,  my  God  and  King, 

Will  I  for  help  repair. 

Lord,  in  the  morning  thou  shalt  hear 
My  voice  ascending  high  : 

To  thee  will  I  my  heart  uprear  ; 
To  thee  lift  up  mine  eye. 

Thou  art  a  God  before  whose  sight 
The  wicked  shall  not  stand  : 

They  cannot  be  thy  dear  delight, 
Nor  dwell  at  thy  right  hand. 

Dark  o'er  the  men  of  bitter  lies 
Shall  hang  thy  awful  hate  : 

And  thy  destruction  rushing  hies 
Where  murderers  lie  in  wait. 


THE    PSALTER.  \\ 

But  to  thy  house  will  I  resort, 

To  taste  thy  mercies  there ; 
And  in  thy  fear,  within  thy  court, 

My  suppliant  tribute  bear. 

Oh,  guide  my  footsteps  safe  and  true, 

For  many  foes  are  near ; 
And  clear  before  my  peaceful  view 

Let  thy  bright  road  appear. 

Their  proffered  word  is  faithless  breath ; 

Their  heart  perdition  weaves  : 
A  tempter  to  the  vaults  of  death, 

Their  flattering  tongue  deceives. 

O  God,  destroy  them :  be  their  doom 

By  their  own  snares  to  fall ; 
And  let  their  mountain  crimes  entomb 
Those  scorners  of  thy  call. 

But  all  that  trust  thee  shall  proclaim 

Their  joy  with  soaring  voice : 
Who  love  the  sweet  sound  of  thy  name 

Shall  in  thy  praise  rejoice. 

All  blessing  where  the  righteous  tread 

Thy  smile  of  peace  shall  yield  ; 
And  thy  strong  grace  is  round  them  spread, 

An  adamantine  shield. 
2 


18  THE    PSALTER. 


PSALM  VI. 

Gently,  gently,  O  my  God, 
On  me  lay  thy  chastening  rod  ! 
Stay  thy  wrath,  in  mercy  stay, 
Lest  I  sink  beneath  its  sway. 

Heal  me,  for  my  flesh  is  weak : 
Heal  me,  for  thy  grace  I  seek  : 
This  the  only  plea  I  make, 
Heal  me  for  thy  mercy's  sake. 

Who  within  the  silent  grave 
Shall  proclaim  thy  power  to  save  ? 
Lord,  my  sinking  soul  reprieve  ; 
Speak  and  I  shall  rise  and  live. 

All  the  day  I  faint  and  moan  ; 
All  the  black  night  weep  alone  ; 
While  my  couch  with  tears  o'erflows, 
And  mine  eyes  are  dim  with  woes. 

Men  of  wickedness,  depart ! 
God  has  heard  my  bleeding  heart ! 
Lo,  He  comes  :  He  heeds  my  plea  ! 
Lo,  He  comes  ;  the  shadows  flee  ! 

Shame  and  sorrow  and  despair 
Follow  those  who  mocked  my  prayer ; 
With  a  sudden  sharp  dismay 
Flee  the  foes  of  God  away. 


THE    PSALTER.  19 


PSALM  VII. 

O  Lord  my  God,  in  thee  I  trust : 

From  lion  foes  defend  ; 
Lest  torn  and  trampled  in  the  dust, 

I  sink,  without  a  friend ! 

O  Lord  my  God,  if  on  my  hand 

The  stain  of  guilt  1  hide ; 
If  I  have  rent  the  peaceful  band, 

Nor  good  for  ill  replied  ; 

Then  let  my  foe  in  righteous  strife 

Pursue  and  hunt  me  down ; 
Then  let  him  trample  on  my  life, 

And  lay  in  dust  my  crown. 

Awake,  O  Lord,  in  wrath  awake ! 

The  strong  oppressors  rage ! 
Rise,  and  thy  seat  of  judgment  take, 

And  on  my  cause  engage ! 

So  round  thy  pomp  and  subject  train, 

Shall  nations  gather  nigh : 
Oh,  for  their  sake  arise  and  reign, 

And  plant  thy  throne  on  high ! 

Thou  Judge,  whom  all  the  earth  shall  bless, 

I  trust  my  cause  to  thee  : 
According  to  my  righteousness, 

So  let  my  sentence  be. 


20  THE    PSALTER. 

Oh,  end  the  sinner's  guilty  might, 

And  bid  the  upright  rise, 
Thou  God  most  just,  whose  glance  of  light 

The  secret  spirit  tries. 

The  God  of  strength  my  shield  extends, 

The  Saviour  of  the  pure  ; 
Whose  strong  right  arm  the  good  defends, 

Whose  wrath  is  daily  sure. 

He  steels  his  sword,  He  bends  his  bow, 

If  pride  disdain  to  turn  ; 
He  lifts  the  blade  of  deadly  blow, 

And  forms  the  shafts  to  burn. 

Lo,  deep  within,  each  treacherous  breast 

With  crime  and  ruin  teems  ; 
There  falsehood  finds  her  chosen  nest, 

And  bears  deceitful  dreams. 

They  form  the  pit,  and  spread  the  toils, 
And  there  their  pride  shall  bow  : 

The  crushing  blow  of  guilt  recoils 
Full  on  the  guilty  brow. 

But  I  the  righteous  Lord  will  sing, 

And  all  His  truth  adore : 
To  thee,  my  soul's  Almighty  King, 

To  thee  my  song  shall  soar. 


THE    PSALTER.  21 


PSALM  Yin. 

O  thou  to  whom  all  creatures  bow 

Within  this  earthly  frame, 
Through  all  the  world  how  great  art  thou  ! 

How  glorious  is  thy  name  ! 

In  heaven  thy  wondrous  acts  are  sung. 

Nor  fully  reckoned  there  ; 
And  yet  thou  mak'st  the  infant  tongue 

Thy  boundless  praise  declare. 

Through  thee  the  weak  subdue  the  strong. 

And  bend  their  hostile  will ; 
And  so  thou  quell'st  the  bitter  throng, 

And  vengeful  hearts  are  still. 

When  heaven,  thy  beauteous  work  on  high 
Employs  my  wondering  sight : 

The  moon  that  nightly  rules  the  sky, 
With  stars  of  feebler  light ; 

Oh,  what  is  man,  that,  Lord,  thou  lov'st 

To  keep  him  in  thy  mind? 
Or  what  his  offspring  that  thou  prov'st 

To  them  so  wondrous  kind  ? 

Formed  by  thy  will  a  little  space 

Below  thine  angel  train, 
Thou  gav'st  him,  from  that  noble  place 

O'er  all  thy  works  to  reign. 


22  THE    PSALTER. 

O'er  vale  and  mountain,  flock  and  herd, 
And  beasts  of  wild  and  wood  ; 

The  soaring  and  the  singing  bird, 
And  ocean's  swarming  brood. 

O  Thou  to  whom  all  creatures  bow 

Within,  this  earthly  frame, 
Through  all  the  world  how  great  art  thou ! 

How  glorious  is  thy  name  ! 


PSALM  IX. 

O  Lord  most  high,  my  swelling  heart 

Thy  praises  shall  proclaim, 
The  story  of  thy  deeds  impart, 

And  triumph  in  thy  fame. 

While  on  my  foes  thy  terrors  shine, 
The  proud  fall  down  in  flight : 

For  judgment's  spotless  throne  is  thine, 
And  thou  sustain'st  the  right. 

And  thou  hast  quell' d  the  heathen's  rage, 
And  quenched  the  impious  race  ; 

And  from  the  tale  of  age  to  age 
Hast  swept  th'  oppressors'  trace. 

The  vast  destruction  is  fulfill'd, 
And  giant  towers  are  heaps ; 

Mid  piles  that  none  shall  e'er  rebuild, 
Their  lords'  lost  memory  sleeps. 


THE    PSALTER.  23 

But  firm  th'  eternal  throne  abides  ; 

The  righteous  Sovereign  reigns : 
The  realms  of  earth  His  sceptre  guides, 

And  judgment  just  maintains. 

The  Lord  shall  shield  the  heart  oppress'd, 

Shall  shield  in  troublous  hour  : 
Who  know  thy  name  on  thee  shall  rest, 

And  trust  the  poor  man's  tower. 

Sing  to  the  Lord  of  Sion,  sing  ; 

Tell  all  the  world  His  deeds  : 
When  blood  and  wrong  His  vengeance  bring; 

The  humblest  cry  He  heeds. 

Have  mercy,  Lord,  and  mark  my  woe, 

The  sport  of  causeless  hate  ; 
Thou  Lifter  of  the  poor  and  low 

From  death's  eternal  gate  ; 

That  where  thy  thronging  people  meet, 

My  song  of  praise  may  swell ; 
Till  thine  own  Sion's  royal  street 

Of  thy  deliverance  tell. 

Where  heathen  fingers  spread  the  net, 

There  heathen  feet  have  trod  ; 
They  mourn  the  snares  themselves  have  set, 

And  know  the  righteous  God. 

The  hosts  that  spurn  His  milder  reign 

In  hell's  dark  realm  shall  lie  : 
Not  long  shall  weep  the  poor  in  vain, 

Nor  all  his  hope  shall  die. 


24  THE    PSALTER. 

Arise,  O  Lord,  nor  in  thy  sight 
Let  heathen  pride  prevail ; 

So  let  them  own  but  man's  their  might, 
And  man  how  brief  and  frail  ! 


PSALM  X. 

Why  stands  the  Lord  afar, 

And  hides  in  evil  hour, 
And  sees  the  wicked's  haughty  war 

Th'  afflicted  seed  o'erpower  ? 

Oh,  let  their  own  dark  guile 

On  them  in  ruin  burst, 
Who,  vain  in  fortune's  fleeting  smile, 

Bless  him  whom  God  has  curst. 

Pride  lights  the  wicked's  face, 

And  fires  his  reckless  eye  ; 
Thy  might  his  heart  disdains  to  trace  ; 

Thy  judgments  peal  so  high. 

His  prosperous  pathways  rise ; 

He  flouts  the  warning  call : 
"  My  foot  shall  ne'er  be  moved,"  he  cries, 

"  Nor  ill  my  soul  befall." 

So  on  his  lips  has  rung 

The  blasphemy  of  pride  : 
While,  couched  beneath  his  venomed  tongue, 

Deceit  and  treachery  hide. 


THE    PSALTER.  25 

By  the  still  village  path 

He  waits  the  guiltless  prey, 
Darts  the  keen  glance  of  serpent  wrath, 

And  only  springs  to  slay. 

He  lurks  as  in  the  brake 

The  lion  makes  his  lair  ; 
He  lurks,  the  passing  poor  to  take, 

To  take  in  deadly  snare. 

Torn  falls  the  wretch  and  bleeds 

Within  his  fang  and  fold  ; 
Yet  cries  his  heart,  "  God  never  heeds, 

He  cares  not  to  behold." 

Remember,  Lord,  thy  poor, 

And  lift  th'  avenging  rod  ; 
Why  should  the  wicked's  dream  endure, 

And  mock  the  glance  of  God  ? 

Thine  eyes  their  malice  see, 

Thy  hand  must  all  repay  ; 
The  lonely  orphan  leans  on  thee, 

And  feels  a  heavenly  stay. 

Oh,  break  th1  oppressor's  arm ; 

The  spoiler's  power  confound ; 
And  search  the  haunts  of  guilty  harm, 

Till  harm  no  more  be  found. 

While  the  firm  world  shall  stand, 

The  Lord  its  sceptre  wields  : 
The  heathen  perish  ;  and  His  hand 

Our  endless  succour  yields. 


26  THE    PSALTER. 

For  thou  the  humble  sigh, 

O  Lord,  hast  deigned  to  hear  : 

Thou  giv'st  the  heart  its  contrite  cry, 
And  giv'st  thy  listening  ear ; 

The  doom  of  pride  to  speak, 
And  make  the  tyrant  bow  : 

Thou  art  the  Saviour  of  the  weak, 
The  orphan's  Guardian  thou  ! 


PSALM  XL 

Since  I  can  trust  my  heavenly  King, 

A  refuge  always  nigh, 
Why  should  I,  with  the  bird's  fleet  wing, 

To  distant  mountains  fly  ? 

Behold,  the  wicked  bend  their  bow, 

And  fix  the  fatal  dart, 
To  pierce,  with  unexpected  woe, 

The  sound  and  blameless  heart. 

The  firm  foundations  are  o'erthrown, 
All  pillars  brought  to  naught ; 

Alas,  the  just  man  stands  alone  : 
What  evil  hath  he  wrought  ? 

But  He  that  in  His  temple  reigns, 

Most  holy  and  most  high, 
And  in  the  heavens  His  seat  maintains 

Of  royal  majesty, 


THE    PSALTER.  27 

The  poor  and  simple  man's  estate 

Considers  in  His  mind, 
And  searches  out,  in  small  and  great, 

The  manners  of  mankind. 

He  with  a  cheerful  countenance 

The  righteous  pilgrim  views  ; 
But  marks  with  stern  abhorrent  glance 

All  such  as  mischief  muse. 

He  round  the  wicked  pours  His  snares 

Thick  as  the  tempest  rain  : 
The  sulphurous  storm  His  wrath  prepares, 

The  fiery  cup  of  pai  i. 

The  righteous  Lord  will  righteous  deeds 

With  all  His  love  embrace  : 
The  soul  that  His  commandment  heeds 

Shall  see  His  glorious  face. 


psalm  xn. 

Save,  save,  O  Lord  !  on  earthly  ground 

The  good,  the  faithful  fail : 
Friend  whispers  friend,  but  false  the  sound, 

And  treacherous  is  the  tale. 

With  flattering  tongues  their  tale  they  tell, 

With  hearts  of  smiling  guile  : 
The  Lord  those  flattering  tongues  shall  quell 

And  change  that  guileful  smile. 


28  THE    PSALTER. 

Aloud  they  lift  their  swelling  tone  ; 

"  Our  words  shall  mighty  be  ; 
Our  unchained  lips  are  all  our  own  ; 

Who  rules  the  spirit  free  ?" 

"  Now  for  the  sorrows  and  the  cries 
Of  poor  men,  and  oppressed," 

Thus  saith  the  Lord,  "  I  now  will  rise, 
And  give  the  humble  rest." 

The  words  of  God  are  words  sincere, 
Like  molten  streams  that  glide 

From  the  fierce  furnace,  pure  and  clear, 
Of  silver  seven  times  tried. 

Lord,  thou  shalt  guard  thy  chosen  race, 
Though  evil  hosts  surround, 

In  days  of  gloom  when,  high  in  place, 
The  shame  of  men  are  crowned. 


PSALM  XIII. 

Lord  of  mercy,  just  and  kind, 

Wilt  thou  ne'er  my  guilt  forgive  ? 

Never  shall  my  troubled  mind 
In  thy  light  rejoicing  live  ? 

Lord,  how  long  with  sorrows  vexed 
Day  by  day  shall  I  complain ; 

While  each  anxious  thought  perplexed 
Counsel  takes,  but  takes  in  vain  ? 


'     THE    PSALTER.  29 

Lord,  how  long  shall  hearts  of  hate 
Tempt  my  harassed  thoughts  to  sin, 

Boasting  o'er  my  humbled  state, 
Fears  without,  and  guilt  within  ? 

Lord  my  God,  thine  ear  incline, 
Listen  to  my  suppliant  breath  ; 

Cheer  mine  eyes  with  light  divine, 
Lest  I  sleep  the  sleep  of  death  ! 

On  thy  mercy  I  rely  : 

Mercy,  heavenly  Lord,  impart ! 
Mercy  brings  salvation  nigh ; 

Mercy  shall  light  up  my  heart. 

Lord,  I  lift  my  voice  in  praise, 

All  thy  bounty  to  adore  : 
Flowing  from  eternal  days, 

Flowing  onward  evermore. 


PSALM  XIV. 

"  There  is  no  God,"  the  impious  say, 

All  in  their  senseless  mood  ; 
Foul  are  their  works,  and  false  are  they, 

And  no  man's  deed  is  good. 

The  Lord  looked  down  from  heaven  and 
The  sons  of  men  below  ;  [  \  Lewed 

If  haply  some  the  truth  pursued, 
And  sought  their  God  to  know. 


30  THE    PSALTER. 

Together  all  are  gone  astray, 

Polluted  and  undone : 
Not  one  that  keeps  the  rightful  way, 

That  toils  for  good,  not  one. 

Is  all  their  judgment  so  far  fled, 

That  all  work  evil  still, 
Eating  my  people  e'en  as  bread, 

Defiant  of  God's  will  ? 

Fearful  shall  be  their  sudden  fear, 
For  God  surrounds  the  just : 

Them  whom  ye  scorned  He  bows  to  hear, 
And  vindicates  their  trust. 

Oh,  who  shall  stretch  from  Sion's  hill 

The  liberating  hand  ? 
Who  thence  the  eager  hope  fulfil 

Of  Israel's  captive  band  ? 

When  thou,  O  Lord,  shalt  once  again 
Thy  people's  bonds  destroy, 

Jacob  shall  swell  th'  exulting  strain, 
And  Israel  leap  for  joy. 


PSALM  XV. 

Who  in  thy  courts,  O  Lord,  shall  dwell, 

Who  on  thy  holy  hill  remain  ? 
The  man  whose  steps  are  ordered  well ; 

Who  speaks  the  truth  with  purpose  plain  ; 


THE    PSA  LTER.  31 

Who  bears  no  tale  of  slanderous  guile  ; 

Who  plans  no  ill,  nor  loves  to  hear ; 
In  whose  just  eyes  the  bad  are  vile, 

And  thy  pure  saints  are  always  dear  ; 

Who  keeps  the  oath  that  brings  him  harm ; 

And  will  not  wrong,  to  swell  his  store, 
Nor  lift  for  gold  the  law's  high  arm : 

Who  thus  shall  stand  shall  fall  no  more. 


PSALM  XVI. 

Peeseeye  me,  Lord  !    With  upward  eye 
To  thee  my  trusting  soul  shall  cry  ; 
Thou  art  my  Saviour  and  my  King, 
And  only  of  thy  gifts  I  bring. 

Xo  good  of  mine  can  thine  requite  : 
But  in  thy  saints  is  my  delight  ; 
And  most  with  those  I  long  to  dwell, 
Who  in  thy  service  most  excel. 

But  they  who  other  gods  would  know, 
Haste  to  accumulated  woe  ; 
Their  bloodstained  rites  my  soul  disclaims  ; 
My  lips  renounce  their  hated  names. 

The  Lord  my  heritage  bestows, 
And  by  His  love  my  cup  o'erflows  ; 

My  lot  has  stretched  its  lines  around 
A  large  and  goodly  pleasant  ground. 


32  THE    PSALTER. 

I  bless  the  Lord  who  gives  me  light, 
And  prompts  my  secret  thoughts  by  night 
I  look  to  His  approving  eye, 
And  fear  not,  for  His  arm  is  nigh. 

My  heart  exults  ;  my  tongue  replies  : 
My  flesh  shall  rest  in  hopes  to  rise  : 
Thou  wilt  not  leave  my  soul  in  hell, 
Nor  let  me  with  corruption  dwell, 

But  to  thine  Holy  One  display 

The  path  to  everlasting  day  ; 

Where  joy  o'erspreads  the  heavenly  land, 

And  glory  waits  at  thy  right  hand. 


PSALM  XVII. 

Lord,  to  a  righteous  cause  give  ear ; 
And  my  complaint  in  pity  hear ; 
And  since  my  tongue  shall  nothing  feign, 
Repulse  me  not  with  stern  disdain. 

Oh,  let  my  sentence  come  from  thee, 

Who  read' st  my  heart's  simplicity  ; 

Who  know'st  my  thoughts  through  silent  night, 

Unshrinking  from  thy  holy  sight. 

From  words  of  guile  my  lips  recoil ; 
I  shun  the  paths  of  wrong  and  spoil : 
Oh,  guide  me  still  along  thy  way, 
And  let  my  footsteps  never  stray. 


THE    PSALTER.  33 

Still  shall  my  prayers  in  hope  ascend  : 
Still  let  thine  ear  attentive  bend  ; 
And  still  that  arm  of  love  disclose, 
That  saves  thy  saints  from  all  their  foes. 

Fenced  as  the  apple  of  the  eye, 

Safe  in  thy  covert  let  me  lie, 

Safe  in  the  shadow  of  thy  wing, 

From  hosts  that  stand  in  threatening  ring. 

Swoll'n  with  their  feasts,  they  boast  aloud  ; 
Then  to  the  earth  in  ambush  bowed, 
Couch  like  the  lion  for  his  prey, 
Like  the  young  lion,  hot  to  slay. 

Rise,  mighty  Lord,  and  mock  their  trust, 

And  dash  the  spoilers  to  the  dust ; 

Strong  refuge  to  my  soul  afford 

Through  thy  right  hand  and  outstretched  sword, 

From  men  whose  home  is  here  below  ; 
Who  love  no  higher  hope  to  know ; 
Whose  veins  o'erflow  with  prosperous  health, 
Whose  offspring  share  their  fleeting  wealth. 

Far  other,  better  wealth  be  mine, 
Contented  with  that  joy  divine, 
Thy  face  in  holy  worlds  to  see, 
When  I  shall  wake  and  be  like  thee. 
3 


34  THE    PSALTER 


PSALM  XVIII. 


I  love  the  Lord,  my  rock,  my  might, 

My  Saviour  and  my  tower, 
My  Gody  my  trust,  my  shield  in  fight, 

My  glory  and  my  power. 

O  Lord,  most  worthy  of  all  praise, 

I  call  in  need  on  thee ; 
And  thou  my  rescued  head  shalt  raise, 

While  all  my  foes  shall  flee. 

The  pangs  of  death,  the  close  distress, 

My  struggling  spirit  bound  ; 
The  flowing  waves  of  wickedness 

Rolled  fearfully  around ; 

The  pangs  of  hell  my  heart  oppressed, 
The  grave's  dark  snares  were  nigh  ; 

Then  to  my  God  that  heart  addressed 
Its  agonizing  cry. 

He  heard  me  from  His  holy  place, 

He  listened  to  my  moan ; 
And  gave  the  succour  of  His  grace 

From  His  celestial  throne. 

Then  earth's  foundations  rocked  and  reeled, 

As  forth  his  anger  broke  ; 
And  while  the  trembling  mountains  pealed, 

Far  lowered  the  fiery  smoke ; 


THE    PSALTER.  35 

For  lurid  coals  of  vengeful  wrath 

Out  from  His  presence  came, 
And  all  along  His  downward  path 

Shot  the  consuming  flame. 

The  Lord  descended  on  the  blast, 
And  bowed  the  heavens  most  high  ; 

And  underneath  His  feet  He  cast 
The  darkness  of  the  sky. 

On  cherubs  and  on  cherubins 

Full  royally  He  rode, 
And  on  the  wings  of  all  the  winds 

Came  flying  all  abroad. 

The  thick  dark  cloud,  the  watery  shroud, 

Became  His  secret  tent ; 
The  hail's  wild  dash,  the  fiery  flash, 

Before  His  glory  went. 

The  skies  were  riven,  the  tempests  driven. 

Beneath  His  thunder's  roar ; 
The  hail's  wild  dash,  the  fiery  flash, 

His  vengeful  message  bore. 

Then  from  His  shafts  the  guilty  fled ; 

And,  rent  with  vast  dismay, 
Earth's  mighty  depths,  and  ocean's  bed, 

Lay  bare  that  dreadful  day. 

He  from  the  heavens  sent  succour  down, 

My  sinking  head  upheld, 
And  snatched  me  from  the  horrid  frown 

Of  seas  that  proudly  swelled. 


THE    PSALTER. 

He  saved  me  from  my  mightiest  foes, 

The  impious  and  the  strong, 
When  flushed  Avith  hate  and  pride  they  rose, 

And  did  me  deadliest  wrong. 

They  hemmed  me  in  my  day  of  grief, 

But  He  has  made  me  dwell 
In  a  free  land  of  glad  relief, 

Because  He  loved  me  well. 

According  as  my  steps  were  right, 

And  as  my  hands  were  clean, 
So  would  my  gracious  God  requite, 

Such  His  rewards  have  been. 

For  I  with  steadfast  aim  pursued 

The  Lord's  commanded  way, 
And  from  my  God,  the  only  good, 

Would  go  no  more  astray. 

I  held  His  judgments  still  in  view, 

And  stood  with  soul  sincere, 
And  firmly  from  my  bosom  threw 

The  sin  that  once  was  dear. 

So  ever  as  my  steps  were  right, 

And  as  my  hands  were  clean, 
So  would  my  gracious  God  requite, 

Such  His  rewards  have  been. 

The  good,  thy  goodness,  Lord,  shall  see  ; 

The  just  thy  justice  wait ; 
The  pure  shall  know  thy  purity  ; 

The  haters  thou  shalt  hate. 


THE    PSALTER.  37 

Thou  sav'st  the  meek  from  lawless  doom, 
And  break'st  the  proud  man's  might ; 

My  lamp  thou  kindlest  in  my  gloom, 
And  darkness  then  is  light. 

]>y  thee  I  pierced  th'  embattled  length 

Of  hosts  for  murder  mailed  ; 
And  daring  all  things  in  thy  strength, 

The  steepy  ramparts  scaled. 

The  way  of  God  is  always  pure ; 

The  Lord's  true  word  is  tried  ; 
O'er  all  He  spreads  a  buckler  sure 

Who  trust  them  at  His  side. 

For  who  is  God  except  the  Lord  ? 

And  other  rock  is  none  ; 
With  might  He  girt  me  when  I  warred, 

And  makes  His  way  mine  own. 

He  leads  me  where  that  way  shall  lead. 

A  step  as  sure  and  fleet, 
As  where  o'er  glancing  mountains  speed 

The  hind's  impatient  feel. 

He  trains  me  that  the  hostile  blow 

I  ward  with  warrior  skill ; 
And  these  strong  hands  the  brazen  bow 

Or  bend  or  break  at  will. 

So  shielded,  lifted,  magnified, 

I  leaned  serene  on  thee  ; 
And  lest  my  straitened  feet  should  slide, 

The  path  was  broad  and  free. 


38  THE    PSALTER. 

I  smote,  and  conquered,  and  pursued ; 

I  chased  the  wild  retreat ; 
Till  all  my  foes,  at  length  subdued 

Lay  prostrate  at  my  feet. 

Thou  gav'st  me  armour  for  the  fight, 

To  break  the  rebel  crowd, 
And  turn  their  ranks  in  shameful  flight, 

Till  low  their  necks  were  bowed. 

They  cried,  but  none  was  there  to  save  ; 

To  God  the  Lord  they  cried ; 
In  vain  ;  the  Lord  no  answer  gave  ; 

Deliverer  none  replied. 

Like  dust  before  the  rising  blast, 

I  drove  them  in  defeat ; 
And  down  to  earth  their  banners  cast, 

Like  clay  along  the  street. 

Saved  from  the  strife,  I  mount  the  throne 
Which  heathen  realms  obey  ; 

And  nations,  all  till  now  unknown, 
Submit  them  to  my  sway. 

In  love  or  fear,  their  homage  send 
The  strangers'  wondering  powers  ; 

The  strangers  tremble  while  they  bend, 
Far  in  their  fastness  towers. 

Let  the  eternal  Lord  be  praised, 

In  whose  defence  I  rest ; 
To  highest  heaven  His  name  be  raised, 

Who  still  my  path  has  blest ; 


THE    PSALTER.  39 

The  God  whose  arm  maintains  my  right, 

And  vindicates  my  cause  ; 
Who  wins,  with  His  resistless  might, 

The  nations  to  my  laws  ; 

Who  judged  between  their  hosts  and  me, 

And  bowed  their  glories  low, 
But  raised  me  up,  and  set  me  free 

From  my  remorseless  foe  ! 

Therefore  to  celebrate  His  fame, 
My  voice  to  heaven  I'll  raise ; 

And  nations,  strangers  to  His  name, 
Shall  learn  to  tell  His  praise. 

Amid  the  Gentiles  I  will  sing 
The  Lord  who  pours  His  grace 

On  David  His  anointed  king, 
And  David's  endless  race. 


PSALM  XIX. 

The  heavens  declare  thy  glory,  Lord  ; 
The  starry  skies  thy  praise  record  : 
From  day  to  day,  from  night  to  night, 
The  dawning  and  the  dying  light. 

Xo  human  words,  no  living  speech  ; 
Yet  through  the  world  their  lessons  reach 
A  language  to  no  realm  confined, 
But  nature's  voice  to  all  mankind. 


40  THE    PSALTER. 

There  from  his  radiant  halls  the  sun 
Comes,  his  imperial  course  to  run, 
A  bridegroom  with  his  nuptial  face, 
A  strong  man  girded  for  the  race. 

From  heaven's  far  bound  his  journey  goes  ; 
At  heaven's  far  bound  his  circuits  close  ; 
And  one  warm  blaze,  with  genial  glow, 
Finds  out  each  living  thing  below. 

The  Lord's  converting  law  is  pure  ; 
The  Lord's  enlightening  witness  sure  ; 
The  Lord's  enlivening  precepts  right ; 
The  Lord's  commands  resplendent  light. 

The  Lord's  clean  fear  is  endless  youth ; 
The  Lord's  just  judgment  spotless  truth  ; 
Far  richer  than  the  golden  ore, 
Far  sweeter  than  the  honeyed  store. 

Safe  with  such  guides  thy  servant  treads, 
And  large  rewards  the  path  outspreads  : 
But  who  can  count  each  secret  fall  ? 
Oh,  cleanse  me,  Thou,  who  know'st  them  all ! 

And  firmlier,  Lord,  my  soul  restrain 
From  riper  crime's  more  impious  reign  ; 
And  shuddering  at  the  black  offence 
Uphold  me  in  meek  innocence. 

The  words  that  e'er  my  lips  may  part, 
The  thoughts  that  e'er  may  move  my  heart, 
Each  as  they  glide  accepted  be, 
My  Saviour  and  my  Strength,  with  thee  ! 


THE    PSALTER.  41 


PSALM  XX. 

Ix  trouble  and  adversity 

The  Lord  God  hear  thee  still ; 

The  name  of  Jacob's  God  Most  High 
Defend  thee  from  all  ill ; 

And  send  thee  from  His  holy  place 

His  help  at  every  need  ; 
From  Sion  stablish  thee  with  grace, 

And  gird  thee  for  thy  deed  : 

Remember  how  to  Him  aspire 
Thine  offering  and  thy  prayer  ; 

And  grant  thee  all  thy  heart's  desire, 
And  recompense  thy  care  ! 

In  thy  salvation's  promised  gift 

E'en  now  we  dare  rejoice  : 
Our  banners  in  God's  name  we  lift ; 

God  answer  to  thy  voice  ! 

Now  know  I  that  the  Lord  will  fight 

For  His  Anointed's  band, 
Hear  from  the  heavens'  most  holy  height, 

And  stretch  His  strong  right  hand. 

Some  trust  their  chariots'  long  array. 
And  some  their  warlike  steeds  ; 

The  Lord's  dread  name  is  all  our  Stay, 
And  God  to  victorv  leads. 


42  THE    PSALTER. 

Chariot  and  horse  lie  low  in  dust ; 

We  stand  with  steadfast  feet : 
Now  save  and  help  us,  Lord  our  Trust, 

From  heaven  thy  mercy-seat ! 


PSALM  XXL 

The  king,  O  Lord,  with  songs  of  praise 
Shall  in  thy  strength  rejoice  : 

With  thy  salvation  crowned,  shall  raise 
To  heaven  his  cheerful  voice. 

More  than  his  lip  in  prayer  had  told, 
More  than  his  heart  could  crave, 

All  blessings  with  his  crown  of  gold, 
Thy  bounteous  goodness  gave. 

He  asked  for  life  :  long  life  and  sure 
Thou  gav'st  him,  Lord,  to  see  ; 

The  long,  long  life  whose  years  endure 
Throughout  eternity. 

Thy  sure  defence  through  nations  round 
Has  spread  his  glorious  name  ; 

And  his  triumphant  acts  has  crowned 
With  majesty  and  fame. 

Joy  everlasting  is  thy  gift, 

And  undecaying  grace, 
Whilst  on  his  gloom  thy  love  shall  lift 

The  brightness  of  thy  face. 


THE    r  SALTER.  43 

Because  the  king  on  God  alone 

For  timely  aid  relies, 
His  mercy  still  supports  his  throne, 

And  all  his  wants  supplies. 

But  thy  right  hand  shall  find  thy  foes ; 

And  thy  devouring  ire 
Shall  wrap  them  round,  as  whirls  and  glows 

The  raging  furnace  tire  ; 

And  thou  shalt  root  out  from  the  earth 

Their  fruits'  superb  increase  ; 
And  from  the  race  of  mortal  birth 

Their  lineage  proud  shall  cease. 

For  all  their  thoughts  were  set  on  ill, 

Their  hearts  but  malice  wove ; 
But  still  in  vain  their  powerless  will 

Against  thy  counsel  strove. 

Still  shall  they  dread,  in  desperate  flight, 

Thine  arrow  on  the  string  : 
Arise,  O  Lord,  in  thine  own  might, 

And  we  that  might  will  sing. 


PSALM  XXII. 

My  God,  my  God,  why  leav'st  thou  me, 

In  anguish  and  alone  ? 
No  light  of  thine  from  far  I  see, 

And  all  unheard  I  groan. 


44  THE    PSALTER. 

My  God,  by  day  I  call,  I  weep, 

Unnoticed,  unredressed  ; 
And  in  the  silent  hour  of  sleep 

Nor  respite  find  nor  rest. 

And  thou  continuest  holy  still, 

And  hast  thy  sacred  seat, 
Where  Israel's  songs  thy  presence  fill, 

And  tell  thy  praises  sweet. 

Our  fathers  trusted  thee,  and  called 

On  thine  eternal  name  : 
They  trusted,  and  were  unappalled, 

For  thy  deliverance  came. 

But  I,  a  worm  am  I  forlorn, 

Not  one  of  human  birth  ; 
The  scoff  of  men,  the  people's  scorn, 

The  refuse  of  the  earth. 

All  they  who  see  my  anguish  dread 

Deride  me  as  unbless'd  ; 
They  curl  the  lip,  they  shake  the  head, 

They  point  the  taunting  jest : 

"  He  trusted  in  the  Lord,  to  send 

Deliverance  in  His  might : 
Deliver,  then,  the  Lord  His  friend, 

Since  he  was  God's  delight !" 

Yet  from  the  womb,  by  thy  behest, 

I  came  to  light  and  day ; 
And  when  I  clasped  my  mother's  breast, 

Thy  love  was  all  my  stay. 


THE    PSALTER.  45 

So  since  I  oped  mine  eyes  on  earth, 

And  wheresoever  I  trod, 
E'en  from  my  helpless  hour  of  birth, 

Thou  wert  my  Guide  and  God. 

Oh,  be  not  far  :  no  aid  is  found  ; 

And  troubles  press  more  nigh  : 
Strong  bulls  of  Bashan  close  me  round, 

And  toss  their  horns  on  high. 

My  foes  rush  on,  in  panting  crowd 
With  mouths  that  thirst  to  slay, 

Like  furious  lions  roaring  loud, 
And  ramping  for  their  prey. 

Poured  forth  like  water  sinks  my  frame ; 

My  bones  asunder  start ; 
As  wax  that  feels  the  searching  flame, 

Within  me  melts  my  heart. 

Shrunk  like  the  potsherd's  worthless  clay, 

I  pine  and  gasp  for  breath ; 
And  parched  and  fainting,  tread  the  way 

Down  to  the  dust  of  death. 

Fierce  dogs  insulting  round  me  meet ; 

The  vile  my  woes  behold  : 
They  pierce  my  hands,  they  pierce  my  feet ; 

My  bones  may  all  be  told. 

They  gaze,  they  stare,  they  mark  my  woe, 

Intent  my  end  to  see  : 
They  part  my  clothes,  and  lots  they  throw 

Whose  shall  my  vesture  be. 


46  THE    PSALTER. 

Lord,  be  not  far ;  swift  aid  afford  ; 

Thy  strength  my  soul  surrounds  ; 
Oh,  save  me  from  the  bloody  sword, 

My  darling  from  the  hounds. 

And  snatch  me  from  the  lion's  leap, 

And  bear  me  safe  away, 
And  from  the  savage  monsters  keep, 

Whose  horns  are  pushed  to  slay. 

Then  shall  I  to  my  brethren  all, 

Thy  majesty  record ; 
And  in  thy  church  with  praises  call 

On  thee  the  living  Lord. 

Oh,  ye  that  Jacob's  God  confess, 

Now  all  His  praises  sing  ! 
His  name,  O  house  of  Israel,  bless, 

And  lowly  homage  bring  ! 

He  never  yet  abhorred  or  spurned 

Affliction's  plaintive  sigh, 
Nor  from  the  meek  His  presence  turned, 

But  heeds  the  sufferer's  cry. 

Where  all  thy  saints  adore  around, 

Where  hosts  in  glory  bow, 
My  song  of  praise  aloud  shall  sound, 

And  stand  redeemed  my  vow. 

The  meek  companions  of  my  grief 
Shall  find  my  table  spread  ; 

And  hungering  hearts  have  full  relief, 
With  joys  immortal  fed. 


THE    PSALTER.  47 

Then  shall  all  tribes  of  mortal  birth 

To  God  their  tribute  pay, 
And  scattered  nations  of  the  earth 

One  sovereign  Lord  obey. 

The  right  supreme  o'er  every  throne 
The  Lord  supreme  maintains ; 

Him  King  of  kings  the  world  shall  own, 
And  Lord  of  lords  He  reigns. 

All  whom  thy  gifts  with  plenty  crown 
Shall  taste  thy  love  and  bless, 

And  all  that  to  the  dust  go  down 
Thy  royalty  confess. 

To  thee  shall  live  my  quickened  soul ; 

Thy  courts  my  seed  shall  grace : 
Recorded  in  thy  deathless  roll, 

Thine  own  peculiar  race. 

Behold  they  come,  they  join  to  raise 

For  future  sons  the  strain  : 
The  justice  of  the  Lord's  pure  ways, 

The  triumphs  of  His  reign. 


PSALM  XXIII. 

The  living  Lord  my  Shepherd  is, 
I  shall  be  well  supplied  : 

Since  He  is  mine,  and  I  am  His, 
What  can  I  want  beside  ? 


48  THE    P SALTER. 

He  feeds  me  in  the  pastures  green, 

Where  I  may  safely  lie  ; 
He  leads  me  to  sweet  shades  serene, 

The  quiet  waters  by. 

When  my  misguided  footsteps  stray, 
And  dangerous  paths  would  take, 

He  brings  me  to  the  righteous  way, 
For  His  dear  mercy's  sake. 

And  though  I  pass  through  death's  dark 
Yet  I  will  fear  no  ill :  [vale, 

Thy  rod  and  staff  shall  never  fail, 
And  thou  art  with  me  still. 

Thou  hast  my  table  richly  spread 

In  sight  of  every  foe  : 
Thou  hast  wTith  balm  refreshed  my  head, 

And  mad'st  my  cup  o'erflow. 

Thy  love  and  mercy,  all  my  days 

Shall  still  my  life  attend ; 
And  in  thy  temple,  in  thy  praise, 

I  all  those  days  will  spend. 


PSALM  XXIV. 

The  Lord  is  lord  of  all  the  earth  ; 

Its  wealth  is  all  His  own : 
The  world,  and  nil  of  mortal  birth, 

Are  His,  and  His  alone. 


THE    PSALTER.  49 

He  framed  and  fixed  it  on  the  deep, 

And  His  almighty  hand 
High  on  the  flood's  inconstant  heap 

Made  the  firm  fabric  stand. 

But  for  himself  the  Lord  has  still 

One  chosen  seat  designed  : 
Oh,  who  to  that  thrice  sacred  hill 

Shall  due  admittance  find  ? 

The  man  whose  honest  heart  and  hands 

No  deeds  of  shame  defile  ; 
Who  in  his  innocency  stands, 

And  swears  no  oath  of  guile. 

On  such  the  Lord's  rich  blessing  falls, 
The  righteous  Saviour's  grace  : 

Such,  God  of  Jacob,  seek  thy  halls. 
And  thy  most  glorious  face. 

Lift  high  your  heads,  ye  heavenly  gates, 

Ye  everlasting  doors ! 
The  King  of  glory  entrance  waits  ; 

The  song  triumphal  soars  ! 

Who  is  the  King  of  glory  ?  who  ? 

The  Lord,  the  strong  in  might ; 
The  Lord  who  all  His  foes  o'erthrew, 

Strong  in  victorious  fight. 

Lift  high  your  heads,  ye  heavenly  gates, 

Ye  everlasting  doors ! 
The  King  of  glory  entrance  waits  ; 

The  song  triumphal  soars  ! 
4 


50  THE    PSALTER. 

Who  is  the  King  of  glory  ?  who  ? 

The  sovereign  Lord  of  hosts  : 
His  kingly  glory  heaven  shall  view, 

And  earth,  through  all  her  coasts. 


PSALM  XXV. 

To  God  in  whom  I  trust, 

I  lift  my  heart  and  voice  : 
Oh,  shame  me  not,  thou  Good  and  Just, 

Nor  let  my  foes  rejoice. 

Sure,  those  who  hope  in  thee 

Shall  never  suffer  shame  ; 
But  they  shall  hide  in  infamy, 

Who  causeless  evil  frame. 

Oh,  lead  me  in  thy  truth, 

And  teach  me  all  thy  way  : 
On  thee,  my  Saviour  from  my  youth, 

I  wait  the  livelong  day. 

Thy  kindnesses  of  old, 

Thy  tenderness  and  care, 
And  all  thy  mercies  manifold, 

Still  in  remembrance  bear. 

But  oh,  remember  not, 

In  records  kept  above, 
The  sins  of  youth,  which  naught  can  blot 

Save  thy  forgiving  love. 


THE    PSALTER.  61 

Just  is  the  Lord,  and  kind 

To  those  who  turned  aside  : 
The  meek  shall  His  direction  find, 

The  lowly  He  shall  guide. 

Where'er  His  paths  divine 
His  servants'  eyes  can  trace, 

There  truth  and  mercy  always  shine 
For  souls  that  seek  His  grace. 

Now  by  thy  glorious  name, 
Let  pardoning  mercy  plead  : 

For,  heavy  is  my  load  of  shame, 
And  bitter  is  my  need. 

"Whoe'er  with  humble  fear 

To  God  his  duty  pays 
Shall  find  the  Lord  a  guide  most  near 

In  all  his  righteous  ways. 

His  quiet  soul  with  peace 

Shall  be  forever  bless'd  ; 
And  in  the  land,  no  more  to  cease, 

His  seed  shall  dwell  at  rest. 

For  God  his  secret  will 

To  all  His  saints  imparts, 
And  all  His  covenant  shall  fulfil 

In  their  obedient  hearts. 

On  Him  mine  eyes  are  set, 

Awaiting  still  His  aid, 
Who  plucks  my  feet  from  out  the  net 

For  my  destruction  laid. 


52  THE    PSALTER. 

Oh,  turn,  and  all  my  woes 

In  pity,  Lord,  redress  ; 
For  mighty  troubles  round  me  close, 

And  anguish  of  distress. 

The  sorrows  of  my  state 
To  crushing  loads  increase  : 

Oh,  from  the  dark  and  dismal  weight 
My  weary  soul  release  ! 

Look  on  me  in  my  pain  , 

My  desolation  see ; 
And  from  my  guilt's  oppressive  chain 

Forever  set  me  free  ! 

Look  on  my  cloud  of  foes  ; 

See  how  to  hosts  they  swell ; 
And  how  their  hate  on  one  o'erflows, 

Who  fain  in  peace  would  dwell. 

My  soul  from  death  reprieve  ; 

Nor  put  me,  Lord,  to  shame  ; 
As  I,  Avith  all  my  trust,  believe 

In  thine  almighty  name. 

Strong  in  mine  innocence, 

On  thee  I  still  repose  ; 
Oh,  send  to  Israel  thy  defence, 

And  save  them  from  their  woes. 


THE    PSALTER.  53 


PSALM  XXYI. 

Judge  me,  O  Lord,  for  I  the  way 

Of  righteousness  have  trod  ; 
3Iy  footsteps  falter  not  nor  stray, 

Because  I  trust  in  God. 

Prove  me,  O  Lord,  my  bosom  try, 

Assay  my  inmost  heart ; 
For  from  thy  love  and  truth  mine  eye 

Shall  never,  never  part. 

I  sit  not  with  the  false  and  vain  ; 

I  shun  the  spoiler's  den  : 
I  hate  the  impious  crowd  profane, 

Nor  herd  with  godless  men. 

I  wash  my  hands  in  innocence, 

And  round  thine  altar  go  ; 
Pour  the  glad  hymn  of  triumph  thence, 

And  thence  thy  wonders  show. 

Lord,  I  have  loved  the  holy  place 
Where  all  thine  honour  dwells  ; 

Where  the  bright  radiance  of  thy  grace 
In  majesty  excels. 

Oh,  not  with  men  of  bloodstained  hands 

My  wretched  doom  enroll ; 
And  not  with  base  and  treacherous  bands 

Be  my  imprisoned  soul. 


54  THE    PSALTER. 

I  walk  in  mine  integrity, 
And  guileless  truth  pursue  : 

Let  thy  redemption,  Lord,  for  me 
Its  wonted  light  renew. 

That  light  my  steadfast  feet  shall  guide 
To  tread  in  smoothest  ways  ; 

Till  with  thy  people  I  abide, 
And  ever  sing  thy  praise. 


PSALM  XXVII. 

The  Lord  to  me  is  health  and  light ; 

Then,  who  shall  bring  alarm  ? 
The  Lord  defends  me  with  His  might, 

And  who  shall  work  me  harm  ? 

With  fierce  intent  my  flesh  to  tear 

When  foes  beset  me  round, 
Their  crests  that  rose  so  high  in  air, 

Soon  tottered  to  the  ground. 

Through  Him  my  heart  undaunted  dares 

With  mighty  hosts  to  cope ; 
Through  Him,  when  war  its  worst  prepares, 

For  good  success  I  hope. 

One  thing,  with  all  my  soul's  desires 

I  sought,  and  will  pursue  : 
What  thine  own  Spirit,  Lord,  inspires, 

That  let  that  Spirit  do. 


THE    PSALTER.  55 

Grant  me  within  thy  courts  a  place, 

Among  thy  saints  a  seat ; 
Forever  to  behold  thy  face, 

And  worship  at  thy  feet ; 

In  thy  pavilion  to  abide 

When  storms  of  trouble  blow  ; 

And  in  thy  tabernacle  hide, 
Secure  from  every  foe  ; 

Whilst  God  above  each  hateful  snare 

My  lowly  head  shall  raise  ; 
And  I  to  Him  my  offerings  bear, 

And  sing  glad  songs  of  praise. 

Thy  listening  ear  still  deign  to  lend 

Whene'er  to  thee  I  cry  ; 
With  mercy  to  my  voice  attend, 

With  gentleness  reply. 

"  Seek  ye  my  face  !"  without  delay, 
When  thus  I  hear  thee  speak, 

My  heart  shall  leap  for  joy,  and  say, 
"  Thy  face,  Lord,  will  I  seek." 

Turn  not  in  wrath  thy  face  away  : 

Let  not  my  footsteps  slide  : 
Thou  hast  been  all  my  strength  and  stay, 

Be  still  my  God  and  guide. 

And  leave  me  not  when  griefs  assail, 

And  earthly  comforts  flee  : 
When  father,  mother,  kindred  fail, 

My  God,  remember  me. 


56  THE    PSALTER. 

Teach  me,  O  Lord,  thy  perfect  way, 

Lest  foes  my  soul  enthrall : 
Make  plain  my  passage,  lest  I  stray, 

And  lead  me,  lest  I  fall. 

For  many  perils  hem  my  path, 

And  men  of  falsehood  rise  : 
Give  me  not  captive  to  their  wrath, 

Who  breathe  but  threats  and  lies. 

Oft  had  I  fainted,  and  resigned 

Of  every  hope  my  hold, 
But  mine  afflictions  brought  to  mind 

Thy  benefits  of  old. 

God's  time  expect  with  patient  heart, 
Who  will  inspire  thy  breast 

With  inward  strength  :  do  thou  thy  part, 
And  leave  to  Him  the  rest. 


PSALM  XXVIII. 

O  Lord  my  Rock,  to  thee  I  cry, 
And  sighs  consume  my  breath : 

Oh,  answer,  lest  my  soul  draw  nigh 
To  them  that  sleep  in  death. 

Regard  my  supplicating  call, 

The  cries  that  I  repeat, 
While,  with  uplifted  hands  I  fall 

Before  thy  mercy-seat. 


THE    PSALTER.  57 

Nor  sweep  me  hence  with  that  false  crowd 

Who  joy  in  secret  sin  ; 
Whose  words  of  peace  are  fur  and  loud, 

While  malice  lurks  within. 

Reward  them  as  their  hearts  have  planned ; 

On  them  their  mischief  crown  : 
They  have  not  owned  the  Lord's  high  hand  ; 

That  hand  shall  dash  them  down. 

Praised  be  the  Lord !     He  heard  my  voice, 

The  Lord,  my  buckler  strong  ! 
My  trusting  heart  shall  loud  rejoice, 

And  lift  its  grateful  song. 

The  Lord  is  His  anointed's  might : 

Oh,  on  our  side  engage  ; 
And  save,  and  feed  with  rich  delight 

Thy  ransomed  heritage ! 


PSALM  XXIX. 

Give  to  the  Lord,  ye  sons  of  fame, 
Give  glory  to  the  Lord  of  light : 

Give  the  just  honour  of  His  name, 
And  worship  His  eternal  might. 

To  Him  majestic  altars  raise, 

With  holy  beauty  deck  His  shrine  ; 

And  in  His  temple  join  to  praise 
The  everlasting  throne  divine. 


58  THE    PSALTER. 

The  voice  of  God  is  on  the  deep, 
O'er  the  wide  waves  aloud  He  calls  ; 

The  voice  of  God,  its  thunders  leap 
Through  all  the  sky's  re-echoing  halls. 

The  voice  of  God  in  might  awakes  ; 

The  voice  of  God  moves  awful  on  ; 
The  voice  of  God  the  cedars  breaks, 

The  cedars  dark  on  Lebanon. 

Leaps  Lebanon  at  that  dread  sound, 
Leaps  Sirion,  from  its  base  upborne, 

Like  the  young  bullock's  playful  bound, 
Like  the  wild-rushing  unicorn. 

The  voice  of  God  the  lightning  cleaves ; 

The  voice  of  God  the  desert  shakes  ; 
Till  the  far  wilderness  upheaves, 

And  barren  Kadesh  sighs  and  quakes. 

The  voice  of  God  the  wood  lays  bare, 
Where  cowers  away  the  quivering  deer ; 

While  sheltered  in  His  temple  fair, 
We  tell  His  glory,  safe  from  fear. 

The  Lord  the  angry  floods  restrains ; 

The  Lord  is  throned  in  light  above  : 
The  Lord  His  people's  strength  maintains : 

The  Lord  enfolds  them  with  His  love. 


THE    PSALTER.  511 

PSALM  XXX. 

Yea,  I  will  extol  thee, 

Lord  of  life  and  light, 
For  thine  arm  victorious 

Turned  my  foes  to  flight : 
I  implored  thy  succour, 

Thou  wert  swift  to  save ; 
And  my  wounded  spirit 

Rose  as  from  the  grave. 

Sing,  ye  saints,  sing  praises, 

Call  His  love  to  mind, 
For  a  moment  angry, 

But  for  ever  kind ; 
Grief  may,  like  a  pilgrim, 

Through  the  night  sojourn ; 
Yet  shall  joy  to-morrow 

With  the  sun  return. 

In  my  wealth  I  vaunted, 

"  Xaught  shall  move  me  hence  ;" 
Thou  hadst  made  my  mountain 

Strong  in  my  defence  : 
Then,  thy  face  was  hidden  ; 

Trouble  swept  the  sky  : 
Lowly,  not  despairing, 

Rose  to  thee  my  cry. 

"  What  avails  the  offering, 
Though  my  blood  were  shed  ? 

Shall  the  dust  sing  praises, 
.Mansion  of  the  dead  ? 


60  THE    PSALTER. 

Hear  me,  Lord,  in  mercy  ! 

God,  my  Helper,  hear  !" 
Long  thou  didst  not  tarry ; 

Help  and  health  were  near. 

Thou  hast  made  my  mourning 

Song  and  minstrelsy : 
Girded  me  with  gladness, 

Servant  but  to  thee  : 
Thee  my  ransomed  spirit 

Henceforth  shall  adore ; 
Thee,  my  great  Deliverer, 

Bless  for  evermore. 


PSALM  XXXI. 

Defend  me,  Lord,  from  shame, 
For  still  I  trust  in  thee  : 

As  just  and  righteous  is  thy  name, 
From  danger  set  me  free. 

Come  to  my  help  with  speed, 
Come  with  thy  sheltering  power 

My  refuge  in  mine  hour  of  need, 
My  rock  and  fortress  tower. 

Release  me  from  the  snare 
My  foes  unseen  have  laid  ; 

For,  faint,  yet  trusting,  I  repair 
To  thine  almighty  aid. 


THE    r  SALTER.  Gl 

With  thee  my  succour  stands, 

With  thee,  Deliverer  tried  ! 
Lord  God  of  truth,  to  thy  kind  hands 

My  spirit  I  confide. 

All  vain  designs  I  hate 

Of  those  that  trust  in  lies  : 
And  still  my  soul,  in  every  state, 

To  thee  for  succour  flies. 

The  mercies  thou  hast  shown 
My  cheerful  lips  shall  bless  : 

For  thou  my  pathways  all  hast  known 
In  every  past  distress. 

When  the  accursed  race 

Came  closing  all  around, 
Thou  gav'st  my  feet  a  larger  space 

Beyond  the  fatal  ground. 

Thy  mercy,  Lord,  unveil, 

And  hear  my  just  complaint ; 

For  now  my  flesh  and  spirit  fail, 
With  grief  and  pining  faint. 

My  bones  are  all  decay ; 

My  foemen  taunting  see  ; 
My  bosom  friends  turn  cold  away, 

And  they  that  mark  me  flee. 

Forgotten  like  the  dead, 

Spurned  as  a  broken  vase, 
I  hear  the  frequent  slander  spread  : 

Fear  sits  on  every  face  ; 


62  THE    PSALTER. 

For  counsel  dark  they  take, 

And  hate  is  leagued  with  dread, 

While  their  conspiracy  they  make, 
My  guiltless  blood  to  shed. 

But  still  my  steadfast  trust 

I  on  thy  help  repose : 
That  thou,  my  God,  art  good  and  just, 

My  soul  with  comfort  knows. 

Whate'er  events  betide, 

Thy  wisdom  times  them  all ; 

Then,  Lord,  thy  servant  safely  hide 
From  those  that  seek  his  fall. 

The  brightness  of  thy  face 

To  me,  O  Lord,  disclose, 
And  by  thy  mercy  and  thy  grace 

Preserve  me  from  my  foes. 

As  I  have  called  thee,  save  ! 

Let  shame  the  vile  surprise, 
And  silence  cover  in  the  grave 

The  lips  that  joy  in  lies ; 

That  ope  in  slander  proud 
Against  the  pure  of  heart, 

Mock  his  fair  fame  with  insult  loud, 
Or  steal  with  secret  art. 

How  great  thy  mercies  are 
To  such  as  fear  thy  name  ; 

Which  they  that  trusted  in  thy  care, 
Through  the  wide  world  proclaim  ! 


THE    PSALTER.  G3 

Thy  presence  holds  them  safe 

From  man's  assailing  pride  : 
Though  warring  tongues  around  them  chafe, 

Within  thy  tent  they  hide. 

With  glory  and  renown 

God's  name  be  ever  blessed, 
Whose  favour,  like  a  well-fenced  town, 

Received  me  for  its  guest ! 

I  said,  in  hasty  flight, 

"  I  perish  from  thine  eyes  !" 
But  I  was  ever  in  thy  sight, 

And  thou  hast  heard  my  cries. 

O  all  ye  saints,  the  Lord 

With  eager  love  pursue ; 
Who  will  the  just  man's  hope  reward, 

And  all  the  proud  subdue. 

Ye  that  on  God  rely, 

Courageously  proceed : 
For  He  will  still  your  hearts  supply 

With  strength  in  time  of  need. 


PSALM  XXXII. 

How  blest  the  man,  whose  guilt  is  healed, 
Whose  crime  no  more  shall  stand  revealed  ! 
How  bless'd,  its  trespasses  forgot, 
The  guileless  spirit,  cleansed  from  spot ! 


64  TEE    PSALTER. 

Silent  too  long,  by  night,  by  day, 
I  groaned  my  weary  hours  away ; 
And  life,  beneath  thy  heavy  hand, 
Shrank  as  a  brook  in  summer's  sand. 

I  spake  my  sin,  I  covered  naught, 
I  bared  to  thee  my  guiltiest  thought : 
I  vowed  my  heart  to  God  to  tell, 
And  thou  forgav'st  where'er  I  fell. 

For  this,  while  yet  thy  grace  is  near, 
The  good  man's  prayer  shall  seek  thine  ear ; 
So,  when  the  angry  billows  roar, 
They  shall  not  climb  his  peaceful  shore. 

Thou  art  my  hiding-place  in  grief; 
Thou  art  the  rock  of  my  relief: 
And  thou  wilt  yet  my  path  surround 
With  grateful  hymns  of  sweetest  sound. 

Watch  for  my  glance  your  way  to  lead  : 
And  be  not  like  the  stubborn  steed, 
Whose  wrath  must  feel  the  bit  and  band, 
Whose  feet  disdain  the  mild  command. 

Griefs  throng  around  the  heart  unjust, 
And  mercies  crown  the  faithful  trust ; 
Then  let  your  songs  in  joy  accord, 
And  shout,  ye  upright,  in  the  Lord  ! 


THE    PSALTER  65 


PSALM  XXXIII. 

Let  all  the  just  to  God  with  joy 

Their  cheerful  voices  raise  ; 
It  well  beseems  them  to  employ 

Their  lips  in  sougs  of  praise. 

Let  the  high  harp  and  psaltery  ring, 

The  lyre's  melodious  swell, 
The  silver  lute  with  tenfold  string, 

His  glories  far  to  tell. 

For  God's  pure  word  is  truth  and  right ; 

His  justice  reigns  above  ; 
And  earth  lies  flooded  with  the  light 

Of  His  all-bounteous  love. 

By  His  almighty  word,  the  arch 
Of  heaven's  blue  vault  was  reared  ; 

And  all  its  hosts,  in  beauteous  march, 
At  His  command  appeared. 

lie  rolled  the  waters,  heap  on  heap, 
From  rocky  shore  to  shore  ; 

And  garnered  up  the  mighty  deep, 
As  if  an  harvest's  store. 

Let  earth  and  all  its  tribes  afraid 

Before  His  glory  stand  ; 
He  spake  the  word,  and  all  was  made, 

And  fixed  at  His  command, 


66  THE    PSALTER. 

He  breaks  the  heathens'  proudest  thought, 

Their  counsel  undermines  ; 
And  turns  their  craftiest  skill  to  naught, 

And  baffles  their  designs. 

Whate'er  the  mighty  Lord  decreed 

Shall  stand  forever  sure  : 
His  settled  purpose  and  his  deed 

To  ages  shall  endure. 

Blest  is  the  nation  where  the  Lord 
Has  fixed  His  gracious  throne  ; 

Where  He  reveals  His  heavenly  word, 
And  calls  their  tribes  His  own. 

His  eyes,  with  infinite  survey, 

All  mortal  men  behold  ; 
He  formed  us  all  of  equal  clay, 

And  knows  our  fragile  mould. 

Kings  are  not  rescued  by  the  might 

Of  armies,  from  the  grave  ; 
Nor  panting  steed,  in  fight  or  flight, 

Shall  prove  of  strength  to  save. 

But  God's  pure  eye  shall  condescend 

To  all  that  humble  race, 
Who  fear  His  justice  to  offend, 

And  hope  to  find  His  grace. 

He  guards  them  from  the  wasting  pest, 
Though  hapless  myriads  die  : 

And  their  replenished  board  is  blest 
Mid  famine's  bitter  cry. 


THE    PSALTER.  67 

Our  soul  on  God  with  patience  waits  ; 

Our  help  and  shield  is  He  ! 
Our  hearts  shall  triumph  in  thy  gates, 

Because  we  trust  in  thee  ! 

Lord,  in  thy  mercy  we  rejoice ; 

Still  bless  us  from  thy  throne 
As  we  have  made  thy  Avill  our  choice, 

And  hope  in  thee  alone. 


PSALM  XXXIV. 

Through  all  the  changes  of  my  days, 

In  trouble  and  in  joy, 
Still  shall  the  Lord's  perpetual  praise 

My  heart  and  tongue  employ. 

Of  His  deliverance  I  will  speak, 

Till  all  that  are  distressed, 
Like  me  His  gracious  comfort  seek, 

And  charm  their  griefs  to  rest. 

Oh,  magnify  the  Lord  with  me, 

With  me  exalt  His  name  : 
When  none  could  hear  my  call  but  He, 

He  to  my  rescue  came. 

Soon  were  the  hearts  refreshed  with  grace 

That  looked  to  him  for  aid  ; 
And  glad  success  in  every  i 

Its  radiant  smile  displayed. 


G8  THE    PSALTER. 

Behold,  they  said,  behold  him  yet, 
Whom  Providence  relieved ; 

So  dangerously  but  now  beset, 
So  wondrously  retrieved ! 

The  hosts  of  God  encamp  around 

The  dwellings  of  the  just ; 
To  keep  them  safe  on  guarded  ground 

Who  on  His  succour  trust. 

Oh,  make  but  trial,  see  and  say, 

When  trial  shall  decide, 
How  blest  they  are,  and  only  they, 

Who  in  His  truth  confide. 

Fear  Him,  ye  saints :  and  through  His  might 

All  dangers  may  ye  dare ; 
And  when  His  work  is  your  delight, 

Your  wants  shall  be  His  care. 

While  prowling  lions  pine  and  faint, 

The  Lord  shall  furnish  food, 
To  gladden  every  weary  saint, 

And  fill  his  heart  with  good. 

Come,  children,  listen  and  drink  in 
The  words  that  reach  your  ear : 

I  teach  you  the  true  discipline 
Of  God's  religious  fear. 

Let  him  who  covets  to  live  long 
And  prosperous  days  would  see, 

From  slandering  language  keep  his  tongue, 
His  lips  from  falsehood  free  ; 


THE    PSALTER.  gg 

From  sin's  alluring  paths  depart, 

The  law  of  good  obey  ; 
Peace  the  fixed  aim  of  all  his  heart, 

The  rule  of  all  his  way. 

From  heaven  the  Lord's  approving  eyes 

Upon  the  just  are  bent : 
His  ears  are  open  to  the  cries 

Of  the  wronged  innocent ; 

But  the  stern  vengeance  of  His  frown, 

The  terrors  of  His  face, 
Shall  dash  the  proud  transgressors  down. 

Forgotten  from  their  place. 

His  servants,  sinking  in  disl  I 

Send  their  requests  on  high  : 
He  hears  them,  and  commands  redress, 

And  brings  deliverance  nigh. 

The  broken  heart,  to  grief  resigned, 

Shall  His  kind  pity  feel ; 
And  contrite  spirits  quickly  find 

How  mercy  loves  to  heal. 

The  wicked  oft,  but  still  in  vain, 

Against  the  just  conspire  : 
Through  all  their  dread  and  all  their  pain 

He  keeps  their  bones  entire. 

While  evil  men  an  evil  doom 

Brings  lifeless  to  the  dust, 
And  dark  and  desolate  the  gloom 

O'er  them  that  hate  thcjnsl  : 


70  THE    PSALTER. 

Still  the  Redeemer  and  the  Lord 
His  servants  shall  approve  ; 

Nor  leave  one  saint  who  trusts  His  word 
Deserted  of  His  love. 


PSALM  XXXV. 

Strive,  Lord,  with  them  that  strive  with  me; 
Let  them  that  fight  me  fight  at  thee  ; 
Gird  on  thy  buckler  and  thy  shield  : 
The  swift,  sharp  javelin  grasp  and  wield. 

Come  down,  in  mercy  and  in  wrath, 
And  stop  the  fierce  pursuer's  path. 
And  say,  to  nerve  my  quivering  will, 
"  Lo,  I  am  thy  salvation  still !" 

Vain  be  their  weapons'  aimed  array  ; 
Vain  the  dark  ambush  by  the  way ; 
Confusion  wait  them,  and  disgrace, 
Foul  rout  be  theirs,  and  shame  of  face. 

Strew  them,  like  chalf  upon  the  blast, 
While  thy  stern  angel  follows  fast ; 
And  dark  and  slippery  be  the  road 
Where  thy  stern  angel  on  shall  goad. 

Without  a  cause  the  cords  they  set, 
There  shall  they  struggle  in  the  net : 
Without  a  cause  they  spread  the  snare, 
Their  own  false  hands  their  death  prepare. 


TEE    PSALTER.  71 

My  soul  shall  then  in  God  rejoice, 
And  all  my  frame  shall  find  a  voice, 
And  this  my  song  of  triumph  be, 
"Lord,  who  shall  be  compared  with  thee ; 

Whose  arm  redeems  the  child  of  woe 
From  dread  before  his  mightier  foe, 
And  saves  the  feeble  from  the  strong, 
And  rights  the  helpless  sufferer's  wrong  ?" 

With  oaths  of  falsehood  foul  they  stood, 
And  paid  me  murderous  ill  for  good : 
For  I,  above  their  painful  bed, 
The  tears  of  sympathy  had  shed  ; 

My  fasting  and  my  watch  had  kept, 
As  if  for  some  dear  friend  I  wept, 
And  mourned  in  sackcloth  o'er  their  pain 
With  prayers  that  came  to  me  again. 

As  one  in  sorrow's  garb  I  went, 
As  one  with  sorrow  bowed  and  bent, 
Who  wails  a  brother's  woeful  doom, 
Or  slowly  seeks  a  mother's  tomb. 

But  when  they  saw  me  sore  distress'd, 
Round  with  malignant  joy  they  press'd  : 
Then  scoffed  the  basest  of  the  base, 
And  gnashed  against  me,  face  to  face. 

How  long,  O  Lord,  shall  vengeance  sleep  ? 
Oh,  save  me  from  the  lion's  leap, 
That  I  may  lift  thy  praises  loud 
Amid  thy  people's  joyous  crowd. 


THE    PSALTER. 

Let  not  my  ruthless  foes  exult, 
Nor  their  sad  victim's  wreck  insult, 
And  o'er  me  wink  the  scornful  eye, 
And  utter  the  triumphant  cry. 

No  peace  is  theirs,  but  baleful  lies 
Against  the  peaceful  they  devise  ; 
And  shout,  with  hatred's  mocking  mien, 
"Aha  !  aha  !  our  eyes  have  seen  !" 

Thou  too  hast  seen,  O  God  most  high ; 
Oh  stand,  nor  stand  in  silence,  nigh ! 
Lift  in  my  cause  thy  vengeful  rod  : 
Awake,  arise,  my  Lord  and  God  ! 

Let  thine  own  truth  my  doom  decide, 
Nor  yield  me  to  the  hosts  of  pride, 
That  cry,  "  Aha,  we  won  the  day ! 
We  conquered  and  devoured  the  prey !" 

Let  shame  and  woe  enrobe  them  all, 
Who  long  to  glory  in  my  fall, 
While  they  that  ask  my  just  success, 
With  pealing  songs  thy  name  shall  bless. 

Blest  be  the  Lord,  who  bows  his  ear, 
To  whom  his  servants'  peace  is  dear  ! 
Thus  shall  they  chant,  and  all  day  long 
My  heart  shall  echo  back  the  song. 


THE    PSALTER.  73 


PSALM  XXXYI. 

My  heart  within  me  sighs 

When  man  grows  bold  in  sin, 
"No  fear  of  God  before  his  eyes 

Lets  heavenly  radiance  in." 

Beguiler  and  beguiled 

With  words  as  false  as  fair. 
He  scorns  the  wisdom  undetiled, 

Till  all  his  guilt  be  bare. 

E'en  on  his  midnight  bed 

Black  thoughts  his  bosom  thrill  ; 

And  when  he  wakes,  heart,  hand,  and  head 
Are  ripe  for  works  of  ill. 

Far  as  the  boundless  sky 

Thy  mercy,  Lord,  ascends  ; 
Far  as  the  rolling  clouds  can  fly 

Thy  faithfulness  extends. 

Strong  as  th'  eternal  hills, 

Thy  justice  holds  its  sway  : 
Deep  as  the  depths  old  ocean  fills, 

Thy  judgments'  wondrous  way. 

Guard  of  all  living  things  ! 

I  low  precious  is  thy  love. 
That  spreads  the  shadow  of  its  wings 

Our  trusting  race  above  ! 


THE    PSALTER. 

Thy  household's  fulness  sweet 
Shall  satisfy  their  dreams ; 

Till  in  thine  Eden's  joyous  seat 
They  drink  the  living  streams. 

With  thee,  alone  with  thee 
Life  like  a  fountain  dwells  : 

Thy  light  by  which  the  light  we  see, 
The  darkest  shade  dispels. 

To  such  as  know  thy  way 

Let  all  thy  love  appear  : 
To  those  thy  righteousness  display 

Whose  hearts  are  found  sincere. 

Far  be  the  foot  of  pride, 
And  far  the  wasting  hand  ! 

And  lo,  the  false  transgressors  slide; 
They  fall  and  ne'er  shall  stand  ! 


PSALM  XXXVII. 

When  sinners  prosper,  grieve  not  thou ; 

Nor  eye  their  bloom  with  envious  mien : 
Like  meadow  flowers  it  soon  shall  bow, 

And  wither  like  th'  autumnal  green. 

Trust  in  the  Lord,  and  walk  aright, 
And  in  the  land  securely  live  : 

Make  His  commands  thy  heart's  delight, 
And  He  thy  heart's  desire  shall  give. 


THE    PSALTER.  75 

Commit  to  God  thy  cheerfhl  way ; 

Trust,  and  thy  work  shall  well  be  done  : 
Thy  justice  shall  shine  bright  as  day, 
Thy  truth  as  noontide's  blazing  sun. 

In  patient  faith  stand  still  and  strong, 
And  wait  the  arm  that  rules  the  skies ; 

Xor  let  the  sight  of  prosperous  wrong 
Wake  thy  sharp  envy  or  surprise. 

Away  with  anger's  jealous  flame, 
Lest  eyil  tempt  thy  wrathful  hand  : 

The  proud  shall  perish  deep  in  shame  ; 
The  patient  saint  shall  hold  the  land. 

A  little  while,  and  thou  may'st  seek 
In  vain  the  sinner's  wasted  hearth, 

While  in  abounding  peace  the  meek 
Inherit  all  the  blooming  earth. 

The  impious,  banded  in  their  wiles, 

Gnash  their  fierce  teeth,  and  long  to  slay  : 

But  God  with  scorn  beholds  and  smiles, 
For  near  he  sees  their  evil  day. 

They  draw  the  sword,  they  bend  the  bow, 
They  aim  to  pierce  each  upright  heart : 

On  their  own  breast  descends  the  blow, 
From  their  rent  bowstring  drops  the  dart. 

In  righteous  gains,  though  poor  and  small. 
Is  wealth  beyond  th'  oppressor's  gold  : 

Tir  oppressor's  arm  shall  powerless  fall. 
While  God  the  good  man  shall  uphold. 


76  THE    PSALTER. 

His  constant  care  the  upright  guides ; 

And  when  distress  overwhelms  the  earth, 
Still  o'er  their  home  His  love  abides, 

And  plenty  feeds  them  through  the  dearth. 

E'en  like  the  altar's  passing  fume, 

Where  bleeds  the  lamb  and  bleeding  bums, 

So  shall  the  foes  of  God  consume, 

While  love's  free  gift  in  wealth  returns. 

They  whom  the  Lord  stoops  down  to  bless, 
E'en  though  they  fall,  shall  rise  and  stand: 

The  earth  redeemed  shall  those  possess 
Who  lean  on  His  delivering  hand. 

Ne'er  while  from  youth  to  age  I  trod, 
For  all  that  path  was  mine  to  tread, 

Saw  I  the  righteous  left  of  God, 

His  offspring  beggars  for  their  bread. 

He  gives,  and  lends ;  and  on  his  seed 
Returns  the  blessing  o'er  and  o'er  : 

Shun  evil ;  do  the  upright  deed  ; 
And  dwell  in  safety  evermore. 

For  that  just  Lord  who  reigns  on  high 
Loves  and  preserves  the  holy  race : 

And  while  they  see  the  wicked  die, 
Firm  is  their  own  dear  dwelling-place. 

Wise  words  attest  the  good  man's  voice ; 

Judgment  and  truth  his  accents  guide  ; 
The  Lord's  pure  law  is  all  his  choice, 

No  step  of  his  shall  swerve  or  slide. 


THE    PSALTER.  77 

Though  sinners,  at  their  secret  stand, 
Watch  but  to  smite  him  to  the  dust  : 

God  will  not  leave  him  to  their  hand, 
Xor  doom  him  to  a  death  unjust. 

Wait  thou  on  God,  and  keep  his  way, 
And  thine  the  land  in  peace  shall  be  ; 

And  when  the  wicked  shall  decay, 
Thine  eye  the  doom  fulfilled  shall  see. 

I  saw  the  sinner  in  his  power, 

As  some  broad  tree  overspreads  the  ground  ; 
I  passed  again  ;  the  stately  bower 

Was  gone,  nor  branch  nor  root  I  found. 

Mark  the  pure  man  of  upright  path  ; 

Peace  waits  him  at  his  holy  end  : 
While  the  fierce  stroke  of  vengeful  wrath 

On  leagued  transgressors  shall  descend. 

Then  shall  the  Lord's  almighty  aid 
His  servants  timely  succour  give  : 

And  as  their  trust  on  Him  was  staid, 
Safe  in  His  charge  their  souls  shall  live. 


PSALM  XXXVIII. 

Lord,  not  in  wrath  my  sin  reprove. 
Xor  let  thy  rising  vengeance  move  : 
For  fast  and  deep  thy  shafts  descend. 
And  low  beneath  thine  arm  I  bend. 


78  THE    PSALTER. 

No  healthful  spot  thine  anger  spares  ; 
No  member  but  the  torture  tears  ; 
High  o'er  my  head  my  crimes  have  past : 
I  cannot  bear  a  load  so  vast ! 

My  festering  wounds,  with  loathsome  breath, 
Spread  wide  the  tale  of  sin  and  death  : 
I  bow,  I  sink  ;  and  all  the  day 
I  mourn  along  my  dismal  way. 

For  deep  within  I  feel  the  pest ; 
There  is  no  spot  of  health  or  rest : 
O  Lord,  to  thee  my  want  is  known, 
Thou  hear'st  the  unutterable  groan. 

Gone  the  firm  heart,  the  arm  of  might, 
Gone  from  mine  eyes  their  pleasant  light ; 
Friends  go  their  way  in  sad  amaze, 
And  brethren  stand  afar  to  gaze. 

They  spread  their  snares,  who  seek  my  life ; 
They  plan  deceit,  and  utter  strife  ; 
While,  like  the  deaf,  I  bar  mine  ear, 
And,  like  the  dumb,  nor  chide  nor  hear. 

For  I  will  wait  till  thou  shalt  bring 
Shelter  and  might,  O  Lord  my  King : 
Lest  thy  proud  foes  and  mine  should  see, 
Shout  o'er  my  fall  and  mock  at  thee. 

My  trembling  spirit  moans  and  faints, 
Languid  with  penitent  complaints  : 
And  foes  blaspheming  round  me  throng, 
In  health  and  wealth  and  numbers  strong. 


THE    PSALTEIl 


They  hate  me  for  my  upright  vow  : 
O  Lord  my  God,  depart  not  thou  ! 
Be  near  me  in  my  hour  of  need  ; 
My  Lord,  my  Saviour,  come  with  speed  ! 


PSALM  XXXIX. 

I  said,  "  My  mouth  shall  hold  its  guard, 
My  lips  shall  feel  their  portals  barred ;" 
And  while  the  impious  gathered  round, 
Not  e'en  for  good  I  uttered  sound  ; 
Till  forth  the  flame  long  smothered  broke, 
And  thus,  with  tongue  released,  I  spoke. 

Lord,  let  me  know  my  term  of  days, 
The  measure  of  these  weary  ways  ! 
Lo,  thou  hast  made  my  years  a  span ; 
And  frail  the  firmest  step  of  man, 
While  here  he  walks  mid  shadows  vain. 
And  heaps  for  hands  unknown  his  gain. 

Where,  then,  shall  wait  my  soul's  desire  V 
To  thee,  O  Lord,  her  hopes  aspire. 
Oh,  save  me  from  my  sin  and  shame, 
Nor  let  the  godless  mock  my  kame  : 
But  silent,  though  in  woe,  I  bow, 
For  none  the  blow  has  aimed  but  thou. 

Yet,  God  of  grace,  remove  thy  stroke  ; 
Beneath  thy  hand  my  strength  is  broke  : 
Oh,  when  thou  send'st  the  chastening  doom, 
How  swiftly  fades  our  beauty's  bloom, 


80  THE    PSALTER. 

How  sinks  our  glory  and  our  toil, 
As  wastes  the  moth  its  fragile  spoil ! 

Lord,  hear  my  cry  with  favouring  ears ; 
In  pity  mark  my  swelling  tears, 
While,  like  my  fathers,  to  the  dead, 
A  pilgrim  stranger,  on  I  tread  : 
A  little  while  my  strength  restore, 
Ere  men  shall  see  my  face  no  more  ! 


PSALM  XL. 

I  waited  meekly  for  the  Lord, 
Till  He  vouchsafed  a  kind  reply : 

He  bowed  to  meet  th'  imploring  word, 
And  heard  from  heaven  my  humble  cry. 

He  raised  me  from  the  horrid  deep, 
He  plucked  me  from  the  miry  clay, 

And  fixed  my  foot  upon  the  steep, 
And  suffered  me  no  more  to  stray. 

The  wonders  He  for  me  has  done 

Shall  fill  my  mouth  with  songs  of  praise, 

And  others,  to  His  worship  won, 
To  hopes  of  like  deliverance  raise. 

Blest  is  the  man  whose  lips  and  heart 
In  faith's  high  confidence  abide, 

Who  scorns  the  steps  that  turn  apart 
To  ways  of  falsehood  and  of  pride 


THE    PSALTER.  81 

Who  can  the  wondrous  works  recount, 
Which  thou,  O  God,  for  us  hast  wrought  ? 

The  treasures  of  thy  love  surmount 

The  power  of  numbers,  speech,  and  thought. 

Xo  beasts,  to  sacrifice  consigned, 
Xor  richest  gifts,  the  Lord  desires ; 

In  vain  for  sin  the  offerers  bind 
The  victim  for  the  sacred  fires. 

But  thou  hast  oped  my  willing  ear  : 
Thy  hand  this  mortal  frame  prepares ; 

Then  said  I,  Lo,  behold  me  here ; 

Each  mark  the  servant's  place  declare^ 

I  come  with  gladness  to  fulfil 

The  oracles  thy  words  impart : 
'Tis  my  delight  to  do  thy  will : 

Thy  law  is  written  in  my  heart. 

In  full  assemblies  I  have  told 

Thy  truth  and  righteousness  at  large  : 

Xor  did,  thou  know'st,  my  lips  withhold 
From  uttering  what  thou  gav'st  in  cha 

Thy  witness  true,  thy  saving  health, 
My  tongue  was  never  tired  to  trace  : 

Xor  held  within  my  breast  in  stealth 
The  tidings  of  thy  truth  and  grace. 

Then  let  those  mercies  I  revealed 
To  others,  Lord,  be  poured  on  me ; 

Thy  loving  kindness  be  my  shield, 
Thy  truth  my  safe  protection  be. 
6 


82  THE    PSALTER. 

For  I  with  troubles  am  distressed, 
Too  vast  and  numberless  to  bear ; 

Nor  less  with  loads  of  guilt  oppressed 
That  weigh  me  downward  to  despair. 

As  soon,  alas,  may  I  recount 
The  hairs  on  this  afflicted  head  : 

My  vanquished  courage  they  surmount, 
And  fill  my  drooping  soul  with  dread. 

But,  Lord,  to  my  relief  draw  near, 
For  never  was  more  deadly  need ; 

For  my  deliverance,  Lord,  appear ; 

And  that  deliverance  wing  with  speed. 

Let  shame  and  horror  whelm  the  hosts 
That  fain  would  hem  my  guiltless  track ; 

Let  shame  reward  their  impious  boasts, 
And  desolation  chase  them  back ; 

While  those  who  humbly  seek  thy  face 
To  joyful  triumphs  shall  be  raised; 

And  all  who  prize  thy  saving  grace 

With  me  shall  sing,  "  the  Lord  be  praised!1 

So  I  a  needy  suppliant  stand, 

Yet  sure  that  God  regards  my  way  : 

Oh,  my  Deliverer,  give  command  : 
Saviour  and  Lord,  make  brief  delay  ! 


THE    PSALTER.  83 


PSALM  XLI. 

Blest  is  the  man  who  loves  the  poor ! 
The  Lord  shall  keep  his  soul  secure, 
Shall  save  him  in  the  evil  day, 
And  guard  him  on  his  life-long  way. 

Thy  blessing  o'er  his  home  shall  smile. 
And  shield  his  breast  from  hostile  guile  ; 
And,  when  he  bows  his  sickening  head, 
Shall  comfort's  downy  pillow  spread. 

Such  mercy,  Lord,  on  me  bestow. 
And  heal  my  soul  from  guilt  and  woe  : 
For  now  my  foes  blaspheming  cry. 
"  When  shall  his  name  behind  him  die  ?" 

And  if  they  come  and  watch  my  pain, 
Their  treacherous  words  are  cordials  vain  : 
Their  inmost  heart  has  stored  deceit. 
And  spreads  it  through  the  swarming  street. 

Their  whispering  lips  of  evil  speak  ; 
They  boast  the  woes  they  long  to  wreak  : 
"  Beneath  an  iron  grasp  he  lies. 
From  that  sad  bed  no  more  to  rise  !" 

E'en,  he  whose  love  had  seemed  so  tried. 
On  whom  my  bosom  trust  relied, 
Who  sat  and  shared  my  household  bread. 
He  lifts  his  heel  to  crush  my  head. 


84  THE    PSALTER. 

Lift  thou  that  head,  O  Lord,  and  lend 
Strength  till  the  war  have  righteous  end  ; 
And  since  not  yet  their  shouts  resound, 
I  know  thy  mercy  folds  me  round. 

Thou  keep'st  my  blameless  steps  aright ; 
In  peace  I  stand  beneath  thy  sight : 
Bless'd  be  the  Lord,  our  Israel's  rest, 
Forever  and  forever  bless'd  ! 

Amen,  Amen. 


PSALM  XLII. 

As  pants  the  hart  cool  streams  to  see, 

When  heated  in  the  chase, 
So  longs  my  soul,  O  God,  for  thee, 

And  thy  refreshing  grace. 

For  God,  the  living  God,  my  heart 
With  thirst  and  sighing  pines  : 

When  shall  I  see  thee  where  thou  art, 
Where  all  thy  glory  shines  ? 

Tears  are  my  food,  by  night,  by  day, 
While  taunting  foes  upbraid ; 

"And  where  is  now  thy  God,"  they  say, 
"  And  where  his  promised  aid  ?" 

I  muse  alone,  in  saddened  mood, 
For  memory's  dreams  present 

Bright  days,  when,  with  the  multitude, 
Up  to  thy  house  I  went ; 


THE    PS  ALT  Eli  85 

When  with  the  voice  of  joyous  song, 

Within  those  courts  I  trod, 
Where  stream  from  far  th'  exulting  throng, 

To  keep  the  feasts  of  God. 

Why,  O  my  soul,  should  wild  distress 

O'erwhelm  thee  even  awhile  ? 
Oh,  hope  in  God  :  I  soon  shall  bless 

The  glory  of  His  smile. 

And  though  distress'd  my  soul  yet  thinks 

On  God  and  Sion  still ; 
From  Jordan's  banks,  from  Hermon's  brinks, 

And  every  lowlier  hill. 

Deep  calls  to  deep  with  summons  hoarse, 

And  bursting  o'er  my  head, 
The  wild  sea-waves  with  gathered  force 

A  roaring  torrent  spread. 

But  when  thy  light,  O  Lord  my  King, 

Has  once  dispelled  the  storm, 
To  thee  at  night  I'll  anthems  sing, 

To  thee  my  vows  perform. 

God  of  my  strength,  how  long  shall  I 

Go  mourning  and  forlorn  ; 
Forgot,  forsaken,  left  to  lie 

Beneath  th'  oppressor's  scorn  ? 

My  heart  is  pierced  from  day  to  day, 

As  with  a  foeman's  blade  : 
"And,  where  is  now  thy  God,"  they  say, 

"  And  where  his  promised  aid  ?" 


86  THE    PSALTER. 

Why,  O  my  soul,  should  wild  distress 
O'erwhelm  thee  even  awhile  ? 

Oh,  hope  in  God  :  I  soon  shall  bless 
With  smiles,  my  Saviour's  smile. 


PSALM  XLIII. 

Just  Judge  of  heaven,  against  my  foes 
With  might  maintain  my  injured  right ; 

And  save  me,  while  they  round  me  close 
Whom  fraud  and  wrong  and  death  delight. 

The  God  of  my  stronghold  art  thou  : 
Why  should  thy  mercy  cast  me  off? 

Why  should  I  walk  with  mourning  brow, 
While  my  oppressors  scorn  and  scoff? 

Let  me  with  light  and  truth  be  blest : 
Be  these  my  guides  to  lead  the  way, 

Till  on  thy  holy  hill  I  rest, 

And  in  thy  sacred  temple  pray. 

Then  will  I  there  fresh  altars  raise 

To  God,  who  is  my  only  joy  ; 
And  well-tuned  harps,  with  songs  of  praise, 

Shall  all  my  grateful  hours  employ. 

Why,  O  my  soul,  should  wild  distress 
O'erwhelm  thee  even  a  little  while  ? 

Oh,  hope  in  God  ;  I  soon  shall  bless 

With  smiles,  my  God's  delivering  smile. 


THE    PSA  L  LEU.  87 


PSALM  XL1V. 


Oft  have  our  ears,  great  God,  been  taught 
What  for  our  fathers  thou  hadst  wrought, 
While  with  adoring  minds  they  told 
Thy  wonders  of  the  days  of  old  ; 

How,  when  thy  hand  thy  people  led, 
The  heathen  hosts  before  thee  fled  ; 
While,  planted  firm,  thy  chosen  race 
Took  their  deserted  dwelling-place. 

Xot  their  own  sword  the  battle  fought  ; 
Xot  their  own  arm  deliverance  brought : 
Thy  smile  above  their  armies  shined, 
And  they  were  strong,  for  thou  wast  kind. 

Still,  God  of  hosts,  art  thou  our  King  : 
Oh,  still  thine  Israel's  succour  bring  : 
Through  thee  we  push  the  wavering  foe, 
Through  thy  strong  name  we  tread  them  low. 

I  will  not  trust  my  bow  or  blade ; 

Thou,  thou  hast  driven  their  bands  dismayed  . 

In  God  our  boast  on  high  we  raise, 

And  shout  His  everlasting  praise. 

But  thou  hast  shamed  thy  people's  boasts. 
And  lead'sl  no  more  our  routed  hosts  : 
Whirled  in  tumultuous  disarm}'. 
We  flee,  we  fall,  a  hapless  prey. 


88  THE    PSALTER. 

Like  flocks  for  food,  our  tribes  have  bled, 
Or  slaves  in  distant  realms  are  led  : 
To  heathen  hands,  and  not  for  gold, 
The  Lord  His  heritage  has  sold. 

The  shout  of  scorn  is  ringing  near : 
The  pagan  laugh  is  in  our  ear ; 
They  make  our  name  their  proverb  vain, 
And  shake  the  head  in  loud  disdain. 

Shame  bows  mine  eye  where'er  it  turns ; 
With  shame  my  blushing  forehead  burns, 
Because  the  foes  of  God  rejoice, 
The  bold  blasphemer  lifts  his  voice. 

So  dark  has  come  our  weary  lot ; 
Yet  is  not,  Lord,  thy  name  forgot : 
Thy  covenant's  bond  we  ne'er  belied, 
Nor  heart  or  foot  has  turned  aside. 

Oh,  could  we  e'er  that  name  disown, 
And  spread  our  hands  to  gods  unknown, 
Must  He  not  mark,  whose  piercing  view 
Looks  all  the  heart's  deep  chambers  through  ? 

Yet  crushed  we  lie  on  dragons'  ground, 
And  death's  dim  shadows  close  around : 
All  day  for  thee  we  yield  our  life, 
Like  flocks  beneath  the  slaughtering  knife. 

Awake,  O  Lord  :  why  sleeps  thine  eye  ? 
Arise,  nor  cast  us  off  to  die  ! 
Why  hides  thy  smile  its  golden  light, 
While  scorn  and  sorrow  load  the  night  ? 


THE    PSALTER.  80 

In  dust  our  soul  bows  down  and  grieves ; 
Prone  to  the  earth  our  body  cleaves  : 
Oh,  for  thine  own  dear  mercy's  sake, 
To  our  redemption,  Lord,  awake  ! 


PSALM  XLV. 

While  I  the  King's  loud  praise  rehearse, 

Indited  by  my  heart, 
My  tongue  is  like  the  smooth-penned  verse 

That  flows  with  ready  art. 

How  matchless  is  thy  majesty  ! 

Thy  mouth  with  grace  o'erflows  ; 
Because  fresh  blessings  God  on  thee 

Eternally  bestows. 

Gird  on  thy  sword,  thou  Prince  of  might, 

And  clad  in  rich  array, 
With  ornaments  of  glorious  light, 

Celestial  pomp  display. 

Ride  on  in  state,  and  still  protect 

The  meek,  the  just,  and  true  ; 
While  thine  avenging  hand  unchecked 

Shall  all  thy  foes  pursue. 

How  sharp  on  them  descends  the  dart, 

Who  dare  thy  power  despise  ! 
Down,  down  they  fall,  while  through  their  heart 

The  feathered  arrow  flies. 


90  THE    PSALTER. 

Thy  throne,  O  God,  on  pillars  fast, 

Forever  shall  endure : 
Thy  sceptre's  sway  shall  always  last, 

By  righteous  laws  secure. 

Truth  was  thy  love,  and  sin  thy  hate, 

And  therefore  on  thy  head 
Has  God,  thy  God,  in  peerless  state, 

The  oil  of  gladness  shed. 

Thy  robes  the  wealth  of  myrrh  perfumes, 

Aloes,  and  cassia  sweet ; 
And  songs  from  ivory  palace  rooms 

Thy  princely  presence  greet. 

And  maids  of  many  a  royal  line 
With  thy  belov'd  one  stand, 

Where,  decked  from  golden  Ophir's  mine, 
She  smiles  at  thy  right  hand. 

But  thou,  O  royal  bride,  give  ear, 

And  to  my  words  attend  : 
Forget  thy  land  and  kindred  dear, 

And  every  former  friend. 

So  shall  the  King  have  pure  delight 

In  thine  unfading  charms  : 
Adore  Him,  while  with  sovereign  right 

He  takes  thee  to  His  arms. 

Her  gift  shall  Tyre's  rich  daughter  send. 

Thy  nuptial  pomp  to  grace  ; 
And  Gentile  lords  shall  lowly  bend, 

And  sue  thy  favouring  face. 


THE    PSALTER. 

Within  bow  fair  the  queenly  bride  ! 

In  robes  with  gold  inwrought, 
She  comes  all  glorious  to  thy  side, 
By  circling  virgins  brought. 

With  solemn  joy  and  festive  state 
The  triumph  moves  along, 

Till  the  high  palace  spreads  its  gate 
To  hail  the  entering  throng. 

So,  in  thy  fathers'  honoured  place, 

Shall  heirs  of  regal  birth 
Spread  o'er  each  land  thy  holy  race, 

The  princes  of  the  earth. 

Meanwhile  shall  my  recording  song 
Go  down  to  distant  days  ; 

And  all  the  nations  shall  prolong 
Thy  never  ceasing  praise. 


PSALM  XL VI. 

God  is  our  refuge,  ever  near, 

Our  help  in  tribulation  ; 
Therefore  His  people  will  not  fear 

Amid  a  wrecked  creation  : 
Though  mountains  from  their  base  be  hurled, 
And  ocean  shake  the  solid  world, 

The  Lord  is  our  salvation. 


92  THE    PSALTER. 

The  stream  that  flows  from  Sion's  hill 

Shall  yet,  serenely  gliding ; 
With  joy  the  holy  city  fill, 

His  presence  there  abiding  ; 
The  Lord,  her  glory  and  defence, 
Will  guard  His  chosen  residence, 

His  timely  aid  providing. 

Raged  far  and  wide  the  heathen  hosts, 
And  rose  in  warlike  splendour ; 

He  spake,  and  earth  through  all  her  coasts 
Bowed  down  with  meek  surrender: 

Lord  of  the  armies  of  the  sky, 

The  God  of  Jacob  still  is  nigh, 
Our  shelter  and  defender. 

Oh,  come,  and  see  each  wasted  land, 
And  all  his  deeds  of  wonder  ; 

The  tumult  dies  at  His  command, 
He  snaps  the  spear  in  sunder  ; 

He  breaks  the  bowstring  and  the  bow, 

And  the  war-chariot  wheels  lie  low, 
The  smoking  embers  under. 

Be  still,  and  know  that  I  am  God  ; 

All  realms  shall  homage  tender  : 
I  stretch  on  high  the  o'erruling  rod, 

And  earth  its  praise  shall  render  ! 
Lord  of  the  armies  of  the  sky, 
The  God  of  Jacob  still  is  nigh, 

Our  shelter  and  defender. 


THE    PSALTER.  93 


PSALM  XLVII. 


O  all  ye  people,  clap  your  hands, 
And  with  triumphant  voices  sing  : 

No  force  the  mighty  power  withstands 
Of  God,  the  universal  King. 

He  shall  opposing  nations  quell. 
And  with  success  our  battles  fight  : 

Shall  fix  the  home  where  high  shall  dwell 
Jacob,  the  child  of  His  delight. 

God  is  gone  up,  our  Lord  and  King, 
With  shouts  of  joy,  and  trumpets'  sound : 

To  Him  let  praises,  praises  ring, 
And  praises,  praises  still  rebound. 

Be  all  your  skill  in  praises  shown, 

To  Him  who  all  the  world  commands, 

Who  sits  upon  His  righteous  throne, 

And  spreads  His  sway  o'er  heathen  lands. 

Princes  and  tribes  of  heathen  birth 

To  serve  the  God  of  Abraham  throng  ; 

For  His  are  all  the  shields  of  earth, 
And  His  shall  be  her  loftiest  song. 


94  THE    PSALTER. 


PSALM  XL VIII. 

The  Lord,  the  only  God,  is  great, 

And  greatly  to  be  praised 
Where,  in  Mount  Sion's  royal  state, 

His  sacred  throne  is  raised. 

The  joy  of  earth,  from  far  descried, 

Her  beauteous  towers  arise  : 
Along  the  mountain's  northern  side, 

The  King's  fair  city  lies. 

The  Lord  is  known  within  her  towers, 

Of  old  their  bulwark  fast : 
Kings,  like  the  storm,  led  on  their  powers, 

And,  like  the  storm,  they  passed. 

They  saw,  they  wondered,  feared,  and  fled : 

So  travailing  mothers  wail : 
So  burst  the  sails  for  Tarshish  spread, 

Beneath  thine  eastern  gale. 

Our  eyes  have  seen,  what  once  was  told, 

Of  God's  embattled  wall : 
The  Lord  of  hosts  has  there  His  hold, 

And  not  a  stone  shall  fall. 

O  God,  within  thy  temple's  gate 

Thy  kindness  we  adore  ; 
Great  is  thy  name ;  thy  praise  as  great 

Shall  sound  from  shore  to  shore. 


THE    PSALTER.  95 

Let  Sion  glory  in  that  name, 
Her  daughters  all  be  taught 

In  songs  His  judgments  to  proclaim, 
Who  this  deliverance  wrought. 

Go  round  the  towers  on  Sion's  mount ; 

Mark  how  they  greet  the  sun : 
Her  palace  portals  note,  and  count 

Her  bulwarks,  one  by  one  ; 


And  to  all  times  the  story  show 
For  still,  within  her  towers, 

.V-  years  on  years  forever  flow, 
This  mighty  God  is  ours. 


PSALM  XLIX. 

This  lesson,  all  ye  nations,  hear, 
All  dwellers  of  the  earth,  give  ear, 

Children  of  high  and  low  ; 
Ye  nameless  band,  and  ye  of  race 
Renowned,  the  wealthy  and  the  base, 

Together  mark  and  know. 

My  mouth  would  words  of  wisdom  choose, 
My  heart  true  counsel  deeply  muse  ; 

I  stoop,  mine  ear  to  fill 
With  a  dark  strain  :  my  harp  would  try 
A  dim  mysterious  melody. 

Why  should  I  fear  in  ill  ? 


96  THE    PSALTER. 

Why  should  dark  days  my  spirit  daunt, 
When  sins  of  traitors  round  me  haunt  ? 

They  who  on  gold  rely, 
Who  triumph  in  their  swelling  heaps, 
None  of  them  all  his  brother  keeps, 

None  may  redeem  or  buy  ; 

None  with  his  God  his  ransom  clear : 
Their  soul's  redemption  is  too  dear : 

Still  paid,  and  still  to  pay : 
Not  one  achieves  a  deathless  doom, 
An  eye  that  ne'er  may  see  the  tomb, 

Victorious  o'er  decay. 

He  sees  the  wise  and  foolish  die  : 
Stern  ruin  grasps,  beneath  his  eye, 

The  brutish  souls  and  blind  ; 
Their  store,  their  might,  to  aliens  cast ! 
Yet  domes  for  evermore  to  last, 

They  build  them  in  their  mind. 

Their  tabernacles  for  all  time 

They  rear,  so  dream  they :  town  and  clime 

By  their  own  names  they  call : 
Yet  mortal  man  in  glorious  state, 
Where  is  he  ?  will  his  greatness  wait 

Till  dew  of  morning  fall  ? 

Is  he  not  like  each  grazing  beast  ? 
All  are  cut  off:  their  name  has  ceased  : 


THE    PSALTER.  97 

Behold  the  way  they  walk  ! 
O  senseless  !  and  in  years  to  come 
Men  shall  recall  their  fearful  doom 

With  awed  and  wondering  talk. 

Even  as  a  flock  arrayed  are  they 

For  the  dark  grave :  death  guides  their  way, 

Death  is  their  shepherd  now  : 
The  just  shall  rule  them  in  the  morn, 
The  grave  will  waste  their  frame  forlorn, 

Xor  rest  nor  home  allow. 

My  soul  from  touch  of  deadly  doom 
The  Lord  redeems,  and  takes  me  home  : 

Then  wherefore  in  dismay, 
Though  here  and  there  one  wealthy  grow. 
Or  if  his  house  all  glorious  show  ? 

He  carries  naught  away. 

In  death  he  leaves  it  all :  his  crown 
Of  glory  goes  not  with  him  down  : 

"What  though  alive  he  cheer 
His  soul,  and  call  him  great  and  blest  ? 
And  if  thou  make  thine  own  the  best, 

The  world  will  praise  thee  here  : 

Yet  to  the  portion  of  his  sires 
That  soul  must  go,  th'  ethereal  fires 

Never  again  to  mark  : 
Man,  thoughtless  in  his  high  estate, 
With  grazing  herds  may  find  a  mate  ; 

They  perish  in  the  dark. 
7 


98  THE    PSALTER. 


PSALM  L. 


The  mighty  God  speaks  forth  afar, 
From  peerless  Sion  beaming  ; 

Alike  where  mounts  the  morning  star, 
And  mid  the  sunset's  gleaming  : 

He  comes  not  silent,  but  with  sound 

Of  storm  and  whirlwind  sweeping  round, 
And  fires  before  Him  streaming. 

He  calls  the  heaven,  He  bids  the  dust 

Its  peopling  millions  waken  : 
"  Bring  all  who  owned  my  covenant  just, 

With  vows  and  offerings  taken !" 
God  comes  on  judgment's  awful  cloud  ; 
The  heavens  shall  tell  His  truth  aloud, 

By  echoing  thunders  shaken. 

"  Hear,  O  my  people,  hear  the  voice 
Of  Israel's  Sovereign  pleading  ; 

Of  God,  thy  God,  by  right  and  choice, 
But  not  thy  victims  needing : 

Thy  failing  shrine  I  will  not  blame, 

Nor  ask  a  firstling  for  the  flame, 
Nor  flocks  nor  bullocks  bleeding. 

"  The  forest  beasts  obey  my  will, 
The  mountain  herds  my  pleasure  ; 

The  bird's  wild  flight  o'er  wood  and  hill 
From  me  receives  its  measure  : 


THE    PSALTER.  90 

If  I  could  hunger,  not  from  thee 
The  Lord  of  earth  and  air  and  sea 
"Would  seek  their  ready  treasure. 

"  Can  slaughtered  bulls  my  feast  impart, 

My  cup  the  he-goat  gory  ? 
Upon  mine  altar  lay  thine  heart, 

And  spread  thy  thankful  story  ; 
And  call  my  name  in  trouble's  hour, 
And  I  will  send  my  rescuing  power, 

And  thou  shalt  give  me  glory.'" 

But  to  the  impious,  thus  saith  God, 
"  Why  name  thy  accents  daring 

The  word  which  thou  in  dust  hast  trod, 
My  covenant  sworn  forswearing  ? 

The  thief,  th'  adulterer  thou  hast  met. 

And  sate,  and  spread  thy  traitorous  net, 
Thy  brother's  feet  ensnaring. 

"Thus  hast  thou  wronged  all  bonds  of  good, 
Whilst  I,  my  wrath  restraining, 

Kept  silence,  till  thy  scornful  mood, 
Th'  eternal  sway  disdaining, 

Defied  high  heaven  with  shameless  brow, 

As  though  thy  God  were  such  as  thou, 
All  falsehood  and  all  feigning. 

"  But  I  will  load  thee  with  thy  blame, 

Thy  secret  deeds  declaring  ; 
How  oft  thy  lips  profaned  my  name, 

In  vain  their  treachery  wearing  ; 


100  THE    PSALTER. 

Hear  ye,  whose  hearts  your  God  forget, 
Ere  wake  the  wrath  that  slumbers  yet, 
To  fix  the  grasp  unsparing." 

Think  on  the  Judge  from  whose  award 
No  arm  the  prey  shall  sever  : 

The  thankful  spirit  pays  its  Lord 
High  praise  and  sweet,  forever  ; 

In  ways  of  ordered  duty  free 

Sure  the  felicity  to  see, 

Which  God  shall  darken  never. 


PSALM  LI. 

Have  mercy,  Lord  !  with  guilt  oppressed, 
I  on  thy  loving-kindness  rest : 
Blot  out  the  blackness  thou  hast  seen, 
And  wash  my  guilty  spirit  clean. 

Against  thee,  Lord,  my  sins  arise, 
Aimed  at  thy  throne,  beneath  thine  eyes  : 
Thy  righteous  sentence  I  revere  ; 
I  am  condemned,  but  thou  art  clear. 

From  sin  I  drew  this  seed  of  death ; 
In  sin  my  mother  gave  me  breath  : 
But  spotless  truth  thou  seek'st  within, 
And  there  shalt  cleanse  the  fount  of  sin. 

Purge  me  with  hyssop  from  on  high, 
And  all  my  leprous  stains  shall  fly ; 


THE    PSA  L  TEE.  101 

And  wash  me  where  thy  mercies  flow, 
And  I  shall  mock  the  mountain  snow. 

Oh,  let  me  hear  thy  sovereign  voice, 
Till  all  my  aching  frame  rejoice  : 
My  deep  transgressions  cover  o'er, 
And  blot  them  to  appear  no  more. 

Create  my  inmost  heart  anew, 
And  give  a  spirit  pure  and  true  : 
Nor  cist  me  trembling  from  thy  sight, 
Xor  let  thy  spirit  take  its  flight. 

Send  thy  salvation's  joy  once  more, 
And  thy  free  Spirit's  strength  restore  ; 
Then  sinners  from  my  lips  shall  learn, 
And  humbly  to  thy  love  return. 

O  God,  my  Saviour  and  my  stay, 
Take  thou  my  guilt  of  blood  away, 
And  ope  my  lips,  and  I  shall  sing- 
Sweet  praises  to  my  heavenly  King. 

Thou  seek'st  not  victims  at  the  shrine  ; 
Else  should  thine  altar  smoke  with  mine ; 
A  contrite  heart  delights  thine  eyes, 
A  broken  spirit's  sacrifice. 

Let  Sion,  with  thy  favour  blest, 
Extend  her  glory  and  her  rot  : 
And  in  thine  own  appointed  hour 
Thy  Salem  gird  with  wall  and  tower. 


102  THE    PSALTER. 


So  shall  thine  eyes  with  favour  see, 
While  righteous  praise  ascends  to  thee ; 
While  at  thy  shrine  pure  gifts  are  laid, 
And  every  duteous  vow  is  paid. 


PSALM  LII. 

Whence,  man  of  lawless  might,  thy  boasts 

In  evil  power  and  skill  ? 
The  goodness  of  the  God  of  hosts 

Abides  and  triumphs  still. 

Thy  tongue  is  like  a  sharp,  smooth  knife ; 

Thy  soul  to  crime  has  clung : 
Thou  lov'st  the  murderous  words  of  strife, 

O  thou  deceitful  tongue  ! 

God  in  His  hour  thy  might  shall  crush, 

And  root  thee  up  from  earth, 
And  in  the  land  of  life  shall  hush 

Thy  dwelling's  echoing  mirth. 

The  just  the  ruin  shall  survey, 

With  awe  the  judgment  scan, 
And  smiling  as  in  scorn  shall  say, 

"  Behold,  behold  the  man  ; 

"  Him,  who  disdainful  cast  aside 
Trust  in  God's  succour  strong, 

Built  on  his  wealth  his  towering  pride, 
And  trenched  himself  in  wrong  !" 


THE    PSALTER.  103 

But  I  am  like  an  olive  green 

Which  God's  fair  courts  enclose, 

While  in  His  love  my  heart  serene 
Has  shelter  and  repose. 

Thy  deeds  forever  shall  I  speak, 

And  on  thy  name  rely  : 
No  happier  lot  thy  saints  can  seek, 

Than  thus  to  live  and  die. 


PSALM  LIII. 

The  fool  cries  in  his  madness, 

"  There  is  no  God  above :" 
Corrupt  is  all  their  gladness, 

And  guilt  their  only  love. 
When  God  in  glory  pondered 

On  all  beneath  the  sun, 
All,  all  had  backward  wandered, 

And  none  was  good,  not  one. 

Oh,  sinners  vile  and  senseless, 

Devouring,  like  the  grave, 
My  people  all  defenceless, 

While  mercy  none  ye  crave  ! 
Wild  fear  your  hosts  surprising, 

Shall  work  a  strange  o'erthrow  ; 
And  God,  your  pride  despising, 

Shall  lay  your  banners  low. 


104  THE    PSALTER. 

Oh,  that  the  Lord's  salvation 

Were  out  of  Sion  come, 
To  heal  His  ancient  nation, 

To  lead  His  outcasts  home  ! 
With  song  and  spirit  burning, 

Shall  Jacob  then  rejoice ; 
And  Israel's  tribes  returning 

Shall  lift  a  gladsome  voice. 


PSALM  LIY. 

Lord,  save  me  for  thy  glorious  name, 
And  in  thy  strength  appear  ; 

And  let  the  prayer  my  lips  would  frame 
Mount  upward  to  thine  ear. 

For  alien  foes  against  me  rise  ; 

And  men  of  spoil  and  strife, 
Who  set  no  God  before  their  eyes, 

Have  waited  for  my  life. 

But  lo,.the  Lord  is  on  my  side ; 

My  God  is  nigh  at  hand  ; 
With  my  defenders  loved  and  tried 

He  takes  His  succouring  stand. 

My  mighty  foes,  with  all  their  rage, 
That  mightier  arm  shall  slay  : 

Oh,  let  thy  truth  my  battle  wage, 
And  sweep  their  hosts  away. 


THE    PSALTER.  105 

With  free  and  thankful  sacrifice 

To  thee,  O  Lord,  I  bend ; 
For  thou  hast  saved  rne,  and  mine  eyes 

Have  seen  the  welcomed  end. 


PSALM  LY. 

My  God,  thine  ear  indulgent  lend, 

While  in  distress  I  pray ; 
From  heaven  to  hear  thy  suppliant  bend, 

Nor  turn  thy  face  away. 

My  soul,  on  waves  of  trouble  borne, 
Pours  out  its  deep  complaint : 

Loud  as  the  restless  storm  I  mourn, 
And  midst  the  conflict  faint ; 

While  high  the  shouts  of  malice  ring, 

And  proud  oppressors  rage  : 
While  sorrows  on  my  path  they  fling, 

And  fiery  warfare  wage. 

My  heart,  amid  the  o'ershadowing  gloom, 

Is  trembling  as  in  death  : 
A  terror  as  of  coming  doom 

Suspends  my  quivering  breath. 

c:  Oh,"  I  have  cried,  Ct  had  I  the  wing, 
Like  yon  swift  dove,  to  roam  ! 

Then  should  my  spirit  upward  spring, 
And  seek  a  peaceful  home. 


106  THE    PSALTER. 

"Afar,  in  some  untrodden  waste, 

Would  I  my  shelter  find, 
And  joyful  to  its  covert  haste, 

And  leave  the  storm  behind." 

They  gird  her  wall  by  day,  by  night : 

Rebellion  stalks  abroad 
With  woe,  and  proud  disdain  of  right, 

And  treachery,  and  fraud. 

It  was  no  scoff  of  ancient  hate  ; 

Such  taunt  I  scarce  could  dread  : 
No  open  foe  grew  bold  and  great, 

Else  I  had  seen  and  fled  ; 

But  thou,  the  chosen  of  my  heart, 

To  whom  my  soul  applied 
To  bear  in  all  her  griefs  a  part, 

Her  counsellor  and  guide. 

Together,  tor  one  end  allied, 

In  concert  sweet  we  trod, 
And  still  together,  side  by  side, 

We  sought  the  house  of  God. 

Let  ambushed  death  their  haughty  prime 
Sweep  downward  to  the  tomb  ; 

For  in  their  dwellings  dwells  the  crime 
That  mocks  the  lingering  doom. 

But  I  to  God  my  voice  will  send ; 

To  Him  at  close  of  clay, 
And  morn,  and  radiant  noon,  I'll  bend, 

To  Him  devoutly  pray. 


THE    PSALTER.  107 

His  arm  shall  all  my  sorrows  close. 

And  lift  me  from  the  grave  ; 
His  arm,  high  raised  o'er  all  my  foes. 

Omnipotent  to  save. 

They  will  not  turn  ;  His  wrath  they  dare  ; 

They  stretch  th  ir  traitorous  hands 
Against  the  men  whose  peace  they  swear, 

Against  their  covenant's  bands. 

Softer  than  milk,  their  mild  words  flow  ; 

War  tills  the  heart  unseen : 
Each  word  like  oil-drops  stealing  slow, 

Each  word  a  faulchion  keen. 

Cast  on  the  Lord  thy  load  of  care, 

And  tell  Him  every  pain  : 
His  outstretched  arms  thy  soul  shall  bear, 

And  all  thy  griefs  sustain. 

The  blood-stained  men  of  fraudful  ways 
To  death's  dread  gulf  shall  flee  ; 

They  shall  not  live  through  half  their  days, 
But  I  will  trust  in  thee. 


PSALM  LVI. 

Have  mercy,  Lord  !  the  panting  breath 

Of  tyrant  foes  is  loud : 
Each  day  they  pant  to  work  my  death, 

Each  day  to  battle  crowd. 


108  THE    P SALTER. 

In  God  most  holy,  just,  and  true, 

I  have  reposed  my  trust : 
Nor  will  I  fear  what  flesh  can  do, 

The  offspring  of  the  dust. 

The  livelong  day  my  words  they  wrest, 

And  all  their  thought  is  ill : 
They  watch  the  track  my  feet  have  press'd, 

And  wait  to  rise  and  kill. 

Shall  they  escape  without  thy  frown  ? 

Must  their  devices  stand  ? 
Thy  wrath,  O  Lord,  shall  cast  them  down, 

And  all  shall  know  thy  hand. 

God  counts  the  sorrows  of  his  saints, 

Their  groans  affect  His  ears  : 
Thou  hast  a  book  for  my  complaints, 

A  bottle  for  my  tears. 

When  to  thy  throne  I  raise  my  cry, 

The  wicked  fear  and  flee  : 
So  swift  is  prayer  to  reach  the  sky, 

So  near  is  God  to  me. 

In  thee,  most  holy,  just,  and  true, 

I  have  reposed  my  trust : 
Nor  will  I  fear  what  men  can  do, 

The  offspring  of  the  dust. 

Thy  vows  are  on  n^e,  God  of  grace  : 

I  keep  the  pledge  I  gave 
When  looked  my  soul  on  death's  dread  face, 

And  thou  wert  there  to  save. 


T1IK    PSALTER.  109 

"Wilt  thou  not  still  be  by,  to  stay 

My  tottering  feet  aright, 
That  I  may  tread  thy  heavenly  way, 

And  walk  in  life  and  light  ? 


PSALM  LVIL 

Thy  mercy,  Lord,  to  me  extend, 
On  that  sole  mercy  I  depend, 
And  to  thy  wing  for  shelter  fly, 
Till  these  wild  storms  have  hurried  by. 

To  thee,  the  sovereign  Lord  of  all, 
My  champion  in  the  heavens,  I  call ; 
Who  wonders  hast  for  me  begun, 
And  wilt  not  leave  thy  work  undone. 

From  heaven  protect  me  by  thine  arm, 
And  shame  all  those  who  seek  my  harm 
Thy  love  and  truth  shall  hold  me  safe, 
While  fierce  destroyers  war  and  chafe. 

My  soul  is  in  a  lion's  den, 
My  dwelling  with  ferocious  men  ; 
Their  teeth  like  spears  and  arrows  tear, 
Their  tongue  is  like  a  faulchion  bare. 

Be  thou,  O  God,  exalted  high, 
And  as  thy  glory  fills  the  sky, 
So  let  it  be  on  earth  displayed, 
Till  thou  art  here,  as  there,  obeyed. 


110  THE    PSALTER. 

Their  toils  were  spread  where  I  must  go 
They  bowed  my  soul,  they  trod  me  low : 
They  hewed  the  pitfall,  laid  the  suare, 
Aud  lo,  their  feet  are  struggling  there. 

O  God,  my  heart  is  fixed  and  bent 
Its  thankful  tribute  to  present : 
And  with  my  heart  my  voice  I'll  raise 
To  thee,  my  God,  in  songs  of  praise. 

Awake,  my  glory  :  harp  and  lute, 
No  longer  let  your  strings  be  mute  ; 
And  I,  my  tuneful  part  to  take, 
Will  with  the  early  dawn  awake. 

Thy  praises,  Lord,  I  will  resound 
To  all  the  listening  nations  round  : 
Thy  mercy  highest  heaven  transcends  ; 
Thy  truth  beyond  the  clouds  extends. 

Be  thou,  O  God,  exalted  high, 
And  as  thy  glory  fills  the  sky, 
80  let  it  be  on  earth  displayed, 
Till  thou  art  here,  as  there,  obeyed. 


PSALM  LVIII. 

Say  ye,  whose  tongues  discourse  so  fair, 
Do  ye  the  right  your  laws  declare  ? 
Or  sways  the  truth  your  steadfast  mind, 
Ye  guides  and  judges  of  mankind  ? 


TEE    PSALTER.  11 J 

Nay,  but  your  lawless  heart  and  hand 
Spread  acts  of  rapine  through  the  land. 

The  impious  from  the  womb  go  wrong, 
And  falsehood  taints  their  infant  song  ; 
With  poison  of  the  asp  imbued  ; 
Insensate  as  the  adder's  brood  ; 
Whose  ears  resist  with  stubborn  will 
The  subtle  charmer's  subtlest  skill. 


Break  thou  their  teeth,  O  God  of  might ! 
The  lion's  jaws  in  sunder  smite  ! 
As  speeds  the  mountain  flood  away, 
So  let  their  faltering  strength  decay  ! 
And  when  the  levelled  bow  they  strain, 
Let  the  shaft  shiver,  aimed  in  vain. 

As  slimy  snails  along  the  earth, 
As  in  the  dark,  th'  untimely  birth, 
Swifter  than  flame  from  withered  brier 
That  wraps  the  cauldron's  sides  with  tire. 
They  perish,  and  the  whirlwind's  wing 
Afar  their  ruined  pride  shall  fling. 

Their  doom  with  joy  the  just  shall  greet. 
And  bathe  in  impious  blood  their  feet ; 
Whilst  men  exclaim,  M  Behold,  a  meed 
Is  doubtless  for  the  just  decreed  ; 
And  sure  o'er  earth  a  God  presides 
Whose  hand  the  rod  of  judgment  guides.'" 


112  THE    PSALTER. 


PSALM  LIX. 


Avert,  my  God,  th'  impending  blow  ; 
Raise  me  above  my  haughty  foe, 
And  guard  me  from  the  impious  bands, 
And  save  me  from  their  blood-stained  hands. 

For  lo,  in  ambush  close  they  lie, 
Bad  men  of  might  are  gathered  nigh  ; 
And  all  against  my  peace  combine, 
Lord,  for  no  fault  or  guilt  of  mine. 

Without  my  blame  they  run,  they  speed, 
And  gird  them  for  their  murderous  deed  : 
Then  hide  not  thou  thy  piercing  eyes, 
But  to  my  help,  awake,  arise  ! 

Arise,  O  Lord,  thou  God  of  hosts, 
God,  in  whose  name  thine  Israel  boasts ! 
Send  judgment  on  the  heathen  crowd, 
Nor  spare  the  sinner,  bold  and  proud. 

Soon  as  descends  the  evening  shade, 
Their  bands  the  city's  rest  invade  ; 
Like  famished  dogs  incessant  howl, 
And  through  the  streets  for  plunder  prowl. 

Swords  in  their  lips,  aloft  they  rear 
Their  swelling  mouths :  "  for  who  shall  hear  ?" 
But  thou  their  madness  shalt  deride, 
And  laugh  to  scorn  the  heathen's  pride. 


THE    PSALTER.  113 

Though  strong  my  foe,  in  God's  support 
I  find  a  stronger,  surer  fort : 
Girt  with  His  love,  unmoved  I  stand, 
And  fearless  view  th'  assailing  band. 

Thou  wilt  not  slay  them,  O  my  God, 
Lest  we  forget  thy  chastening  rod  : 
A  longer  siem  thv  doom  shall  give, 
And  }et  them  live  as  exiles  live. 

Their  lips,  which  heaven  and  earth  defied, 
Shall  snare  them  in  their  hour  of  pride  : 
Their  slanders  foul,  their  curses  dread, 
Shall  light  in  vengeance  on  their  head. 

A  flame  shall  waste  them,  sent  from  thee, 
Shall  waste  them,  till  they  cease  to  be, 
And  know  that  Jacob's  God  alone 
Is  Lord  of  earth's  imperial  throne. 

Then  let  them  through  the  evening  shade 
In  bands  the  city's  rest  invade  ; 
Like  famished  dogs  incessant  howl, 
And  through  the  streets  for  plunder  prowl : 

And  let  them  for  th'  expected  prey 
From  house  to  house  insatiate  stray, 
And  with  their  fruitless  ramblings  spent, 
Their  rage  in  hideous  clamours  vent. 

But  I,  O  God,  will  sing  thy  might, 
Thy  mercy  with  the  dawning  light  ; 
In  time  of  need  my  lofty  tower  : 
My  refuge  in  affliction's  hour. 
8 


114  THE    PSALTER. 

Thy  praises,  lo,  my  lips  rehearse ; 

To  thee  I  build  the  lofty  verse  ; 

My  God,  my  strength,  enthroned  above, 

The  God  of  everlasting  love. 


PSALM  LX. 

0  God,  our  armies  thou  hast  left ; 
Their  scattering  ranks  are  rudely  cleft : 
Thy  wrathful  terrors  fiercely  burn  : 
Oh,  in  thy  mercy,  Lord,  return  ! 

Earth  reels  beneath  thy  vengeful  stroke : 
Oh,  heal  the  breaches  thou  hast  broke  ! 
In  hard,  sad  scenes  thy  people  pine, 
And  drink  confusion's  deadly  wine. 

But  still  thy  banner  guides  the  fight ; 
There  all  who  fear  thy  name  unite  : 
O'er  thy  beloved  its  folds  shall  wave  : 
Then  hear,  and  stretch  thine  arm,  and  save. 

And  hark,  the  Lord  lifts  high  His  voice, 
And  in  His  word  my  ears  rejoice : 

1  haste,  old  Shechem's  heights  to  scale, 
And  stretch  my  line  o'er  Succoth's  vale. 

And  mine  are  Gilead's  grassy  hills, 
And  mine  the  fields  Manasseh  tills  : 
My  helmet's  strength  are  Ephraim's  bands : 
My  sceptre  rests  in  Judah's  hands. 


THE    PSALTER.  \\l 

In  Moab's  streams  my  feet  I  lave, 
And  cast  my  shoe  to  Edom's  slave : 
Philistia,  raise  thy  joyous  cry, 
To  see  thy  victor  lord  so  nigh ! 

But  who  shall  lead  our  trembling  powers, 
And  bring  to  Edom's  battled  towers  ? 
And  hast  thou  cast  us,  Lord,  away, 
And  lead'st  thou  never  our  array  ? 

Oh,  give  us  help  from  all  we  fear ; 
For  man's  poor  help  in  vain  were  near  ! 
We  march  with  God's  victorious  might, 
And  He  shall  crush  our  foes  in  flight. 


PSALM  LXL 

Lord,  hear  my  voice,  my  prayer  attend  ; 
From  earth's  far  distant  coasts  I  bend, 

With  supplicating  cry : 
When  the  dark  storm  o'erwhelms  my  breast, 
Then  lead  me  on  the  rock  to  rest 

That's  higher  for  than  I ! 

Long  has  my  soul  thy  shelter  found : 
Thou  wast,  when  foemen  gathered  round, 

The  tower  of  my  defence  : 
My  home  shall  thy  pavilion  be, 
My  spirit  to  thy  wings  shall  flee, 

And  none  shall  pluck  me  thence. 


116  THE    PSALTER. 

Lord,  thou  hast  bowed  my  vows  to  hear, 
And  mid  the  men  who  own  thy  fear 

My  heritage  decreed ; 
And  thou  the  king  with  life  wilt  bless, 
With  years  of  long,  long  blessedness 

As  age  shall  age  succeed. 

Eternal  shall  his  peace  endure, 
In  mercy  and  in  truth  secure, 

Beneath  thy  guardian  shield  ; 
So  will  I  make  thy  glory  known, 
And  daily  bending  at  thy  throne, 

My  vowed  allegiance  yield. 


PSALM  LXIL 

My  soul  for  help  on  God  relies  ; 

From  Him  alone  my  safety  flows, 
My  rock,  my  health,  that  strength  supplies 

To  bear  the  shock  of  all  my  foes. 

How  long,  then,  shall  your  faithless  breath 
Conspire  to  work  the  good  man's  fall  ? 

Soon  shall  ye  totter  to  your  death, 
A  broken  fence,  a  beetling  wall. 

To  cast  him  from  his  high  estate, 

They  in  false  schemes  of  guilt  rejoice : 

They  curse  him  with  the  heart  of  hate, 
While  blessings  whisper  in  their  voice. 


THE    PSALTER.  117 

But  thou,  my  soul,  on  God  rely ; 

On  Him  alone  thy  trust  repose  : 
My  rock  and  health  will  strength  supply 

To  bear  the  shock  of  all  my  foes. 

God  shall  His  saving  health  dispense, 
And  flowing  blessing  daily  send  : 

He  is  my  fortress  and  defence  ; 
On  Him  my  soul  shall  still  depend. 

In  Him,  ye  people,  always  trust ; 

Before  His  throne  pour  out  your  hearts ; 
For  God,  the  merciful  and  just, 

His  timely  aid  to  us  imparts. 

Fickle  the  multitude  and  frail ; 

The  great  dissemble  and  betray  ; 
And  laid  in  truth's  impartial  scale, 

The  lightest  thing  will  both  outweigh. 

Trust  not  the  robber's  ill  won  piles, 
Nor  boast  th'  oppressor's  hoarded  ore  : 

When  round  th}'  home  rich  plenty  smiles, 
Yet  not  in  wealth  confide  the  more. 

Once  and  again,  from  God's  high  throne, 
I  heard  the  claim  of  sovereign  might, 

But  mercy,  Lord,  is  all  thine  own, 

And  each  man's  work  shalt  thou  requite. 


118  THE    PSALTER. 


PSALM  LXIIL 


0  God,  my  God,  while  morning  beams, 
To  thee  my  thirsty  spirit  flies  ; 

From  wastes  that  feel  no  cooling  streams, 
For  thee  my  panting  bosom  cries. 

Oh,  to  my  longing  eyes  once  more, 
As  in  those  past  and  happier  days, 

That  view  of  glorious  power  restore 
Which  thy  majestic  house  displays. 

Because,  though  life  such  joy  can  give, 
Thy  love  must  all  that  joy  excel, 

My  lips  shall  bless  thee  while  I  live, 
My  lifted  hands  thy  praise  shall  tell. 

As  at  a  feast  of  rich  delight, 

My  soul  and  tongue  shall  banquet  free, 
While  through  the  watches  of  the  night, 

My  wakeful  thoughts  are  fixed  on  thee. 

By  thy  right  hand  through  danger  brought, 
Beneath  the  shadow  of  thy  wing 

1  clasp  with  joy  the  succour  wrought, 

And  there  for  future  succour  cling. 

My  souPs  pursuers,  fell  and  fierce, 

Shall  hide  them  in  earth's  deepest  caves  : 

Th'  avenging  sword  their  hearts  shall  pierce, 
The  wild  fox  prowl  around  their  graves. 


THE    PSALTER.  119 

So  shall  the  king  in  God  rejoice  ; 

And  they  that  swear  by  His  great  name 
Shall  triumph,  while  the  liar's  voice 

In  silence  dies  and  endless  shame. 


PSALM  LXIV. 

While  to  thy  throne  my  prayers  ascend, 

O  God,  incline  thine  ear : 
My  life  from  ruthless  foes  defend, 

And  still  each  rising  fear. 

Hide  me  when  bands  of  fraudful  men 

In  silence  gather  round  : 
Hide,  when  they  shout  and  shout  again  ; 

A  wild  host's  rushing  sound. 

E'en  like  a  sword,  their  tongues  they  whet, 

And  aim  th'  unpitying  dart, 
The  bitter  words,  like  arrows  set, 

Against  the  blameless  heart. 

From  covert  close  their  shafts  they  wing, 

And  watch,  to  see  him  bleed ; 
They  fear  not  when  they  draw  the  string, 

Nor  tremble  at  the  deed. 

Together,  with  confederate  aim, 

From  sin  to  sin  they  go  ; 
They  search,  and  search,  their  wiles  to  frame, 

And  "  Who,"  they  say,  "  shall  know  ?" 


120  THE    PSALTER. 

Each  way  of  wickedness  they  mark 

With  glad  and  eager  eye  : 
The  mazes  of  their  soul  are  dark, 

And  deep  their  counsels  lie. 

In  vain  !     From  God's  avenging  hand 
A  shaft  their  course  shall  end  ; 

And  ruin  which  their  tongues  have  planned 
Swift  on  their  heads  descend. 

Then  all  that  see,  with  dread  shall  thrill ; 

Mankind  shall  hear  o'erawed, 
Muse  on  the  judgment,  and  be  still, 

And  own  the  work  of  God. 

The  just  shall  in  the  Lord  rejoice, 

Still  trusting  in  His  might ; 
They  shall  lift  up  th'  exulting  voice, 

Whose  hearts  are  pure  and  right. 


PSALM  LXV. 

For  thee,  O  God,  our  constant  praise 
In  Sion  waits,  thy  chosen  seat : 

Our  promised  altars  there  we  raise, 
And  all  our  grateful  vows  complete. 

O  thou  who  to  my  humble  prayer 
Hast  always  bent  thy  listening  ear, 

To  thee  shall  all  mankind  repair, 
And  at  thy  gracious  throne  appear. 


TIIE    PSALTER.  121 

Our  sins,  though  numberless,  in  vain 
To  stay  thy  flowing  mercy  try  ; 

"Whilst  thou  o'erlook'st  the  guilty  stain, 
And  washest  out  the  crimson  dye. 

Oh,  happy  is  the  chosen  guest, 

Who  tastes  thy  temple's  joys  divine; 

Whose  spirit  feels  its  perfect  rest, 
The  fulness  of  thy  sacred  shrine. 

By  wondrous  acts,  O  God  most  just, 
Have  we  thy  gracious  answer  found  ; 

In  thee  remotest  nations  trust, 

And  those  whom  ocean's  waves  surround. 

Strength  girds  thee,  and  the  mountains  stand 
Fast  fixed  by  thee  :  along  the  shore 

Sink  the  loud  waves  at  thy  command, 
And  sinks  the  warring  nations'  roar. 

The  dwellers  in  the  lands  afar 
Fear  at  the  tokens  of  thy  might : 

The  morning  and  the  evening  star 
Go  forth  rejoicing  in  thy  light. 

Thou  look'st  on  earth,  and  trickling  rain 
Flows  from  thy  depth's  exhaustless  wave ; 

And  then  up  springs  the  golden  grain, 
And  tells  what  wealth  thy  bounty  gave. 

The  furrows  stream,  the  ridges  break, 

The  softening  mould  the  shower  receives ; 

Ten  thousand  drops  its  thirst  must  slake, 
And  every  drop  a  blessing  leaves. 


122  THE    PSALTER. 

Thy  mercies  all  the  circling  year 
With  fresh  returns  of  plenty  crown ; 

And  where  thy  glorious  paths  appear, 
The  fruitful  clouds  shed  fatness  down ; 

Shed  on  wild  wastes  and  mountain  rocks 
And.  wide  the  verdant  pastures  spring, 

The  hillsides  gleam  with  snowy  flocks, 
And  waving  valleys  shout  and  sing. 


PSALM  LXYI. 

Let  all  the  lands  with  glad  acclaim 

To  God  their  voices  raise  ; 
Sing  psalms  in  honour  of  His  name, 

And  spread  His  glorious  praise  ; 

And  say,  How  dreadful,  Lord,  art  thou ! 

Thy  foes  thy  might  shall  own  ; 
And  all  the  earth  shall  lowly  bow, 

And  sing  thy  name  alone. 

Come,  see  the  awful  works  of  God  ! 

He  made  the  deep  sea  dry : 
On  foot,  unwet,  th'  abyss  they  trod, 

With  joy's  triumphant  cry. 

He  rules  forever  by  His  might ; 

His  eyes  the  world  survey  : 
Let  no  rebellious  hosts  unite 

Against  His  sovereign  sway. 


THE    PSALTER.  ]_;; 

Oh,  praise  our  God,  and  let  the  strain 

Ring  out  to  every  laud  : 
By  Him  our  souls  in  life  remain, 

And  firm  our  footsteps  stand. 

For  thou,  O  God,  our  souls  hast  tried 

Like  silver  in  the  flame  ; 
The  net  our  struggling  members  tied, 

The  burden  bent  our  frame  ; 

Hard  on  our  necks  th'  oppressor  rode 
Through  fire  and  wave  we  pass'd ; 

But  thou  to  plenty's  fair  abode 
Hast  led  our  feet  at  last. 

And  therefore  in  thy  temple  bowed, 

My  cheerful  thanks  I  pay, 
And  keep  whate'er  my  lips  have  vowed 

In  my  distressful  day. 

I  promised  gifts,  and  gifts  I  bear, 

From  forest,  field,  and  stall ; 
The  incense  rising  with  my  prayer, 

My  flocks,  my  herds,  my  all. 

Oh,  come  and  hearken,  every  one 

"Who  fears  th'  eternal  King  ; 
And  for  my  soul  what  God  has  done, 

In  order  I  will  sing. 

As  I  before  His  aid  besought, 

So  now  I  praise  His  name, 
Who,  if  I  loved  the  guilty  thought, 

Would  all  my  prayers  disclaim. 


124  THE    PSALTER. 

But  I  will  bless  Him,  and  am  blest ; 

For  never,  when  I  pray, 
Scorns  He  the  voice  of  my  request, 

Or  turns  His  face  away. 


PSALM  LXVII. 

To  bless  thy  chosen  race, 

In  mercy,  Lord,  incline  ; 
And  cause  the  brightness  of  thy  face 

On  all  thy  saints  to  shine  ; 

That  so  thy  wondrous  way 

May  through  the  world  be  known, 

"While  distant  lands  their  tribute  pay, 
And  thy  salvation  own. 

Through  all  the  earth,  O  God, 

Thee  let  the  people  praise  ; 
Let  all  the  people  all  abroad 

Praise  thee  to  endless  days  ! 

Oh,  let  them  shout  and  sing 

With  joy  and  pious  mirth  ; 
For  thou,  the  righteous  Judge  and  King, 

Shalt  govern  all  the  earth. 

Through  all  the  earth,  O  God, 

Thee  let  the  people  praise  ; 
Let  all  the  people  all  abroad 

Praise  thee  to  endless  days  ! 


THE    PSALTER.  125 

Then  shall  the  teeming  ground 

Yield  all  its  rich  increase  : 
And  God,  our  God,  shall  pour  around 

His  blessing  and  His  peace. 

His  blessing  and  His  peace 

Shall  dwell  amidst  us  here  : 
And  earth's  far  ends  from  strife  shall  cease, 

And  learn  His  sacred  fear. 


PSALM  LXVIII. 

Let  God  arise,  and  strew  afar 

His  foes  before  His  conquering  car  ; 

Like  smoke  that  drives  when  tempests  blow, 

Like  wax  beneath  the  sunbeam's  glow. 

So  let  th'  ungodly's  might  expire 
When  lifts  the  Lord  His  glance  of  fire  ; 
While  o'er  His  people's  joyous  way 
That  glance  shall  pour  celestial  day. 

Sing  praise  to  God,  sing  praises  high 
To  Him  who  rides  the  dazzling  sky : 
Before  His  path  with  songs  proclaim 
Th'  Eternal  and  Unchanging  name. 

The  Father  of  the  orphaned  heart, 

Th'  Avenger  of  the  widow's  part, 

He,  from  His  holy  dwelling-place, 

Sheds  o'er  the  earth  His  succouring  grace. 


126  THE    PSALTER. 

God  brings  the  wanderer  home  in  peace, 
And  gives  the  fettered  feet  release  ; 
But  far  in  regions  parched  and  dry 
Th'  unhumbled  rebels  pining  lie. 

Lord,  when  along  the  desert  sands 
From  bondage  came  thy  rescued  bands, 
And  thy  bright  path  their  marches  led, 
Earth  shook  beneath  the  awful  tread. 

The  heavens  their  Maker's  presence  knew, 
And  fell  in  drops  of  trembling  dew  ; 
And  Sinai  heaved  its  pillars  vast, 
When  God,  the  God  of  Israel,  passed. 

O  God  most  kind,  thy  plenteous  showers 
Clothed  thy  waste  heritage  with  flowers  : 
The  weary  sat  them  down  to  rest ; 
Then  journeyed  on,  refreshed  and  bless'd. 

The  Lord  the  word  of  triumph  spoke, 
And  forth  the  swell  of  voices  broke  ; 
Kings  with  their  armies  fled  away, 
And  peaceful  housewives  shared  the  prey. 

In  servile  bonds  too  long  ye  toiled, 
The  dove's  fair  plumes  with  dust  were  soiled : 
But  now  ye  spread  each  silvery  fold, 
And  soar  on  pinions  tipped  with  gold. 

Like  snow  in  Salmon,  gentle  dove, 
What  time,  thou  chosen  of  His  love, 
By  thee  th'  Almighty  scattered  kings, 
Against  the  dark  heaven  glanced  thy  wings. 


THE    PSALTER.  127 

The  crags  of  Bashan  touch  the  cloud  ; 
Why  scowl  those  envious  summits  proud  ? 
A  nobler  mount  than  Bashan  swells, 
Where  God  the  Lord  forever  dvv'ells. 

Mid  twice  ten  thousand  chariots  bright, 
Mid  thousand  thousand  hosts  of  light, 
The  Lord  His  holy  place  maintains, 
And  high  as  once  on  Sinai  reigns. 

Thou  hast  ascended,  Lord,  on  high, 
And  captive  led  captivity  : 
And  thou  hast  searched  thy  stores  above 
For  gifts  of  thy  redeeming  love  : 

Triumphal  gifts  for  mortal  man, 

Here  in  his  short  and  sinful  span, 

That  God,  with  all  His  peace,  might  dwell 

In  rebel  hearts,  prepared  so  well. 

Bless'd  be  the  Lord,  who,  day  by  day, 
With  blessings  loads  our  happy  way  : 
The  Lord  our  Saviour,  strong  to  save. 
Who  opes  and  shuts  th'  imprisoning  grave. 

The  Lord  the  head  of  pride  shall  bow. 
And  spurn  th'  oppressors  stubborn  brow, 
And  crush  beneath  the  wheels  of  wrath 
The  hosts  that  crowd  the  guilty  path. 

For  God  hath  said,  "  I  lead  once  more 
From  Bashan,  from  the  deep  sea  shore ; 
The  blood  of  foes  shall  wash  thy  tread, 
And  stain  thy  dogs'  fierce  nostrils  red/' 


128  THE    P  SALTER. 

My  God,  my  King,  before  our  eyes 
How  fair  thy  courts,  thy  train,  arise  ! 
The  dancing  crowd,  the  timbrels  sweet, 
The  virgin  timbrel's  measured  beat ! 

"  Oh,  bless  our  God,"  so  soars  the  song, 
"  Oh,  bless  the  Lord,  where  myriads  throng: 
Whoe'er  your  honoured  lineage  trace 
To  the  dear  fount  of  Israel's  race  !" 

There  Jacob's  last  born  marshalled  stands, 
And  Judah's  chiefs,  with  kingly  bands, 
The  chiefs  of  northern  Naphtali's  host, 
The  chiefs  of  Zebulon's  wealthy  coast. 

God  has  His  people's  strength  decreed  : 
Confirm,  O  God,  complete  the  deed  : 
Till  kings  with  priceless  gifts  shall  wait 
Before  thy  Salem's  temple  gate. 

The  wild  beast  of  the  reedy  shore  ; 
The  strong  who  idol  calves  adore  ; 
Break  down,  O  Lord,  their  proud  array 
Till  all  their  humble  tribute  pay. 

Rebuke  their  rage,  and  scatter  far 

The  nations  that  delight  in  war  : 

Then  chiefs  shall  come  from  Egypt's  strand, 

And  Afric  stretch  her  suppliant  hand. 

Realms  of  the  earth,  your  praises  sing, 

High  praises  to  the  Lord  your  King, 

To  Him  whose  chariot  is  the  sky, 

The  heaven  of  heavens  spread  forth  on  high ; 


THE    PSALTER.  129 

To  Him  whose  voice,  whose  voice  of  might, 
Goes  glorious  from  that  world  of  light ; 
Who  dwells  in  strength  the  clouds  above, 
And  rules  o'er  Israel  in  His  love. 

O  God,  in  sovereignty  alone, 

How  dreadful  towers  thy  heavenly  throne  ! 

So  Israel's  God  His  saints  shall  raise 

To  strength  and  power :  be  God's  the  praise ! 


PSALM  LXIX. 

Save  me,  O  God  !  the  waters  roll, 
And  swell  around  my  struggling  soul : 
I  sink  amidst  th'  unfathomcd  deep, 
And  o'er  my  head  wild  billows  sweep. 

With  weary  cries  my  spirit  faints  : 
My  voice  is  hoarse  with  long  complaints 
My  tearful  eye  has  lost  its  ray : 
So  long  I  wait  my  God's  delay. 

For  more  than  all  my  clustering  hair 
The  foes  whose  causeless  hate  I  bear ; 
The  slayer's  arm  is  false  and  strong  ; 
I  suffer  where  I  would  not  wrong. 

Thou,  Lord  of  hosts,  my  soul  canst  see, 
Nor  lurks  a  fault  unmarked  by  thee  : 
Oh,  bring  not  thou  to  share  my  shame 
The  hope  of  those  who  trust  thy  name. 
0 


130  THE    PSALTER. 

0  God,  the  God  of  Israel's  race, 
For  thee  I  hide  my  burning  face  ; 
An  outcast  brother,  I  must  roam, 
An  alien  from  my  blood  and  home. 

Thy  temple's  zeal  my  breast  inspires, 
It  wastes  me  with  its  sacred  fires ; 
Contented  though  for  thee  abhorred, 
And  scorned  of  men  that  scorn  my  Lord. 

Meekly  my  sackcloth  garb  I  wore, 

The  gate's  vile  throng  but  mocked  the  more 

With  tears  and  fasting  while  I  pined, 

1  heard  the  drunkard's  song  behind. 

But  in  an  hour  when  thou  art  near, 
My  prayers,  O  Lord,  shall  seek  thine  ear : 
Oh,  let  thine  ancient  love  abound, 
And  thy  salvation  shield  me  round. 

From  the  deep  mire,  and  whirling  wave, 
And  whelming  foes,  thy  suppliant  save ; 
Vain  be  the  fury  of  the  main  ; 
Let  the  pit  ope  its  jaws  in  vain. 

Oh,  hear  me,  in  thy  plenteous  grace, 
Nor  hide,  good  Lord,  thy  glorious  face  ! 
Fast  sinks  my  soul  mid  hate  and  grief; 
Oh,  hear  and  haste  with  thy  relief! 

My  shame  is  all  before  thy  view  ; 
Thou  look'st  my  foes  strong  legions  through ; 
Reproach  my  bleeding  heart  has  torn ; 
And  weary  and  alone  I  mourn. 


THE    PSALTER.  13] 

I  gazed,  to  mark  some  pitying  eye  ; 

In  vain,  no  comforter  was  nigh  : 

I  longed  for  bread,  and  gall  they  gave, 

And  soured  the  bowl  my  thirst  must  crave. 

Oh,  let  their  board  their  bane  prepare, 
And  every  blessing  hide  a  snare  : 
Oh,  blind  their  eyes,  and  strike  them  low 
With  thy  fierce  wrath's  avenging  blow. 

And  be  their  home  a  blasted  spot, 
And  be  their  tents  a  scene  forgot : 
Because  they  triumph  in  thy  stroke, 
And  mock  the  heart  thy  rod  has  broke. 

Oh,  for  their  evil,  evil  send ; 
Nor  with  the  righteous  be  their  end, 
Nor  with  the  living  be  their  place, 
But  blot  them  from  thy  book  of  grace. 

For  me,  though  poor  and  faint  I  lie, 
My  God  shall  lift  my  head  on  high ; 
And  I  my  grateful  hymn  will  bring, 
And  loud  the  Lord's  salvation  sing. 

Such  gift  the  Lord  far  less  can  scorn 
Than  slaughtered  herds  with  hoof  and  horn  : 
The  humble  shall  with  rapture  see  : 
And  seek  the  Lord,  and  live,  like  me. 

O  God,  who  hear'st  when  want  complains. 
Nor  spurn'st  thy  people's  captive  chains, 
Let  heaven,  and  earth,  and  every  sea, 
And  all  their  dwellers,  sing  to  thee  ! 


132  THE    PSALTER. 

For  God  shall  Sion's  walls  restore, 
And  Judah's  towers  shall  rise  once  more ; 
There  shall  His  servants1  seed  be  blest, 
There  they  that  love  His  name  shall  rest. 


PSALM  LXX. 

O  Lord,  to  my  relief  draw  near, 
For  never  was  more  deadly  need : 

In  my  deliverance,  Lord,  appear, 

And  that  deliverance  wing  with  speed. 

Let  shame  and  horror  whelm  the  hosts 
That  fain  would  hem  my  guiltless  track  ; 

Let  shame  reward  their  impious  boasts, 
And  desolation  chase  them  back  ; 

While  those  who  humbly  seek  thy  face 
To  joyful  triumphs  shall  be  raised, 

And  all  who  prize  thy  saving  grace 

With  me  shall  sing,  "the  Lord  be  praised!' 

But  I  a  needy  suppliant  stand, 

Yet  sure  that  God  regards  my  way : 

O  my  Redeemer,  give  command ; 
Saviour  and  Lord,  make  brief  delay  ! 


THE    PSALTER.  133 


PSALM  LXXI. 

In  thee,  O  Lord,  is  all  my  trust ; 

Defenrl  that  trust  from  shame  ; 
Be  my  Deliverer  kind  and  just, 

And  vindicate  thy  name. 

Oh,  send  me  down  thy  rescuing  power, 

And  let  me  ever  flee, 
And  find  my  rock  and  sheltering  tower 

And  fortress,  Lord,  in  thee. 

Deliver  still,  O  God  my  King, 
My  soul  from  ruthless  hands ; 

Where  once  I  clung,  there  yet  I  cling, 
Where  all  my  succour  stands. 

Thy  constant  care  was  o'er  the  bloom 

Of  my  soft  infant  days  ; 
Thou  wert  my  guardian  from  the  womb : 

Thine  be  th'  eternal  praise  ! 

The  wonder  of  a  thousand  eyes, 

I  seek  thy  refuge  still ; 
And  till  my  life's  last  sun  shall  rise, 

Thy  name  my  lips  shall  fill. 

Cast  me  not,  O  my  God,  away, 
When  age  has  bared  my  brow  : 

Forsake  me  not,  when,  old  and  gray, 
My  faltering  limbs  I  bow. 


134  THE    PSALTER. 

My  foes  behold  my  outcast  state, 

And  counsels  dire  prepare  ; 
They  plan  in  many  a  dark  debate 

To  lay  the  fatal  snare. 

"  His  God  abandons  him,"  they  cry, 

"Away  with  him,  away  ! 
No  hope  of  timely  aid  is  nigh ; 

Seize  on  the  friendless  prey  !" 

O  God  my  God,  on  thee  I  call ; 

Oh,  hasten  to  my  aid ; 
Let  them  that  seek  my  desperate  fall 

Sink,  baffled  and  dismayed. 

But  I,  through  all  my  length  of  days, 

Will  on  thy  power  depend, 
And  in  high  songs  of  grateful  praise 

My  time  to  come  will  spend. 

Thy  righteous  acts  and  saving  health 

My  mouth  shall  still  declare, 
But  tell  not  all  thy  mercies'  wealth, 

Though  summed  with  utmost  care. 

Lord,  in  thy  strength  secure  I  tread  ; 

My  strength  is  all  thine  own  : 
Thy  righteousness  my  tongue  shall  spread ; 

Thy  righteousness  alone. 

•       For  thine  it  was  to  train  and  try 
My  spirit  from  my  youth  ; 
And  to  this  hour  I  glorify 
The  wonders  of  thy  truth. 


THE    PSALTER.  135 

Now,  when  my  locks  with  years  are  white, 

Oh,  leave  me  not  forlorn, 
Till  to  this  age  I  tell  thy  might, 

For  ages  yet  unborn. 

Thy  righteousness,  O  Lord,  how  high  ! 

Thy  outstretched  arm  has  wrought 
All  glorious  wonders  :  who  may  vie 

With  thine  eternal  thought  ? 

Me,  wThom  thy  hand  has  sorely  pressed, 

Thy  grace  shall  yet  relieve, 
And  from  the  earth's  entombing  breast 

With  tender  care  retrieve. 

By  thee  with  blessings  circled  round, 

I  touch  the  psaltery's  string, 
And  wake  to  thee  the  harp's  sweet  sound, 

O  Holy  One,  our  King ! 

My  ransomed  soul  to  thee  shall  frame 

Her  song,  the  livelong  day  : 
For  they  are  sunk  in  scorn  and  shame 

Who  would  my  life  betray. 


PSALM  LXXII. 

Thy  judgments  to  the  King,  O  Lord, 
To  the  King's  son  thy  truth  impart, 

To  rule  thy  people,  and  award 
All  justice  to  the  humble  heart. 


136  THE    PSALTER. 

Peace  shall  adorn  His  endless  reign, 
As  dews  from  lofty  mountains  shed  ; 

And  plenty,  with  its  cheerful  train, 
O'er  the  green  hills  its  mantle  spread. 

He  shall  avenge  the  poor  man's  wrong, 
And  give  the  desolate  their  right ; 

Shall  break  th'  oppressor's  armour  strong, 
And  dash  to  earth  his  iron  might. 

Long  as  the  sun  shall  light  the  noon, 
His  worship  and  His  fear  shall  last ; 

Long  as  the  still  returning  moon 

O'er  solemn  night  its  beams  shall  cast. 

As  o'er  the  new  mown  grass  the  rains, 

His  grace  shall  spread  sweet  influence  round ; 

As  the  soft  showers  which  bless  the  plains, 
And  drop  in  life  o'er  all  the  ground. 

While  onward  those  bright  ages  glide, 
The  just  shall  bloom  beneath  His  sway ; 

And  peace  shall  roll  its  ample  tide, 
Till  night's  pale  orb  shall  pass  away. 

From  sea  to  sea,  from  Eastern  streams 
To  utmost  earth's  untrodden  end, 

His  crown  shall  pour  its  glorious  beams, 
His  conquered  foes  in  dust  shall  bend. 

The  desert  tribes,  the  island  kings, 

With  gifts  from  all  their  coasts  shall  wait : 

Sheba  and  Seba,  and  the  wings 

Of  fleets  with  Tarshish'  golden  freight. 


THE    P SALTER.  137 

All  monarchs  at  His  feet  shall  bow, 
All  realms  His  sovereign  sceptre  own ; 

For  He  shall  hear  the  suppliant's  vow, 
And  bend  Him  to  the  sufferer's  moan. 

Strong  helper  of  the  helpless  soul, 
He  shall  redeem  it  in  the  strife ; 

And  fraud  and  hate,  at  His  control, 
Shall  spare  to  touch  its  priceless  life. 

So  shall  He  reign  through  endless  days, 
Mid  Sheba's  glittering  treasures  crowned  ; 

And  for  His  sake  shall  prayer  and  praise 
Up  the  high  heavens  eaclr  day  resound. 

Lo,  streaks  of  corn  in  all  the  land 
Are  waving  on  the  mountain  side  : 

Like  Lebanon  by  soft  winds  fanned, 
Rustles  the  harvest  far  and  wTide. 

Lo,  from  the  city,  fresh  and  bright 

As  on  the  rural  valley's  sod, 
Springs  the  fair  seed  which,  sown  in  light, 

Shall  nourish  in  the  courts  of  God. 

The  record  of  His  glorious  name 

Sublime  through  endless  years  shall  run : 

And  on  shall  shine  His  spotless  fame 
As  clear  and  changeless  as  the  sun. 

In  Him  all  nations  shall  be  bless" d  ; 

And  Him  shall  all  the  nations  bless  : 
The  Lord,  by  Israel's  race  confess'd, 

Whose  wonders  heaven  and  earth  confess. 


138  THE    PSA  L  TEE. 

Bless'd  be  the  Lord  God  evermore  ! 

Bless'd  be  His  name  with  long  accord  ! 
And  be  the  world,  from  shore  to  shore, 

Filled  with  the  glory  of  the  Lord ! 

Amen  and  Amen. 


PSALM  LXXIII. 

Howe'er  it  be,  yet  God  is  kind, 
To  Israel,  to  the  pure  of  mind  ; 
And  yet,  my  feet  were  near  to  sink, 
My  step  but  trembled  on  the  brink. 

For  I  was  envious  as  I  gazed 
On  trophies  by  ambition  raised  ; 
And  pondered,  with  admiring  eyes, 
The  triumphs  of  the  worldly-wise. 

No  pangs  their  sense  of  death  prolong  : 
Firm  are  their  well-knit  limbs  and  strong ; 
Nor  theirs  the  heritage  to  share 
Of  human  toil  and  human  care. 

And  so  with  pride  they  fondly  deck, 
As  with  a  chain  of  gold,  their  neck  ; 
And  so,  as  if  with  raiment  dress'd, 
Their  frames  with  violence  invest. 

Their  swelling  eyes  bespeak  their  store 
Full  to  the  brim,  and  running  o'er ; 
High  looks  are  theirs,  and  proud  disdain, 
And  hearts  corrupt,  and  speech  profane. 


THE    PSALTER.  ].,', 

Their  mouth  the  arm  of  heaven  defies  : 
O'er  earth  their  tongue  resistless  flies : 
While.  Btung  with  grief,  thy  people  go, 
And  tears  abundant  mark  their  woe. 

"  How  can  the  Lord  perceive  ?"  they  cry. 
"  Is  knowledge  hid  with  God  most  High  ?" 
For  lo,  the  foes  of  God  are  these, 
Yet  wealth  is  theirs,  and  joy,  and  ease. 

In  vain  I  purge  my  heart's  offence. 
And  wash  my  hands  in  innocence, 
For  lo.  each  morn  renews  my  grief, 
Nor  brings  the  passing  day  relief. 

Far  hence,  I  said,  the  speech,  the  creed 
Which  so  would  wrong  thy  righteous  seed; 
Yet  anxious  still  my  bosom  yearned, 
Till  of  thine  oracle  I  learned, 

Their  end  and  portion  to  descry, 
How  God's  own  hand  has  set  them  high, 
High  on  destruction's  slippery  brink, 
Till  rapt  beneath  the  wave  they  sink  ! 

How  in  a  moment  of  decay 

They  pass  all  desolate  away  ! 

How  are  they  swept  from  earth,  and  brought 

To  ruin,  as  a  thhw  of  naught ! 

As  to  the  wakened  slumberer  se<-ms 
The  image  of  his  vanished  dreams, 
So  waking,  Lord,  shalt  thou  deri<l<- 
The  phantom  pageant  of  their  pride. 


140  THE    PSALTER. 

Thus  heaved  with  sharp  fermenting  pains 
My  heart,  and  passion  pierced  my  veins  : 
Untutored  in  thy  sight,  and  rude 
Even  as  the  wild  beast  of  the  wood. 

Yet  still,  O  Lord,  with  thee  I  stand, 
And  still  thou  hold'st  me  by  thy  hand : 
Thy  counsel  guides  me  while  I  roam, 
And  then  to  glory  leads  me  home. 

Whom  else  have  I  in  heaven  above  ? 
On  earth  is  none  to  claim  my  love  : 
None  else  in  heaven  can  I  require  ; 
None  else  in  earth  is  my  desire. 

My  flesh  and  heart  may  fail  and  pine, 
But  God,  my  heart's  strength,  still  is  mine ; 
And  they  who  scorned  to  walk  with  thee 
From  utter  death  in  vain  shall  flee. 

But  I,  Avith  gladness  meet  and  just, 
On  God  the  Lord  have  fixed  my  trust : 
My  heart  has  found  its  shelter  there, 
And  lon^s  His  wonders  to  declare. 


PSALM  LXXIY. 

Oh,  wherefore  mourn  we,  God  of  grace, 
So  long  in  exile  from  thy  face  ? 
Why  should  thy  smoking  anger  sweep 
So  dark  around  thy  folded  sheep  ? 


THE    PSALTER.  u; 

Think  on  the  people  thou  hast  bought, 
The  tribes  thy  rod  from  bondage  brought ; 
Think  on  Mount  Sion's  royal  halls, 
And  turn  thee  toward  their  wasted  walls. 

The  foe's  bold  feet  profane  thy  soil ; 
Thy  foes  rush  in,  all  hot  for  spoil : 
They  shout  within  thy  place  of  prayer, 
And  lift  their  victor  standards  there. 

Once,  he  whose  arm  was  strong  to  fell 
In  the  thick  forest  proved  it  well : 
But  now  the  axe  and  hammer  ring 
Where  down  the  chiselled  work  they  fling. 

They  give  thy  temple  to  the  blaze  ; 
Thy  name's  polluted  seat  they  raze ; 
"  Destroy  we  all !"  their  hearts  exclaim, 
And  all  the  land  sends  up  the  flame. 

No  house  of  God  its  portal  rears  ; 
No  sign  in  heaven  or  earth  appears : 
No  prophet  pours  a  soothing  song  : 
And  no  man's  heart  can  tell  how  long. 

How  long,  O  Lord,  shall  hate  revile  ? 
How  long  thy  foes  blaspheme  and  smile  ? 
Why  lies  thy  armed  right  hand  at  rest  ? 
Oh,  pluck  it  from  thy  sheathing  breast ! 

God  is  oar  King  from  days  of  old  ; 
The  earth  thy  saving  strength  has  told : 
Thy  might  the  roaring  waters  clave, 
And  crushed  the  monsters  of  the  wave. 


142  THE    PSALTER. 

It  trampled  down  the  dragon's  head  ; 
The  desert  dwellers  saw  and  fled  : 
It  oped  the  fount,  and  loosed  the  tide, 
And  mighty  streams  it  checked  and  dried. 

The  day  is  thine,  the  night  is  thine  ; 
By  thee  the  sunbeams  rise  and  shine  : 
Earth's  utmost  borders  thou  hast  spanned, 
And  all  the  seasons  praise  thy  hand. 

Remember,  Lord,  the  foe's  disdain, 
The  fool's  blasphemings,  bold  and  vain  : 
Forsake  not  thou  thy  mourning  dove, 
But  shield  the  people  of  thy  love. 

Think  on  thy  covenant :  every  clime 
Sees  the  dark  holds  of  cruel  crime  : 
Oh,  turn  not  back  th'  oppressed  in  shame, 
But  let  the  lowly  praise  thy  name. 

Arise,  O  God  ;  thy  cause  maintain  ; 
Remember  folly's  impious  train  : 
Forget  thou  not  the  guilty  cry ; 
Each  day,  each  hour,  it  swells  more  high ! 


PSALM  LXXV. 

To  thee,  O  God,  our  vows  are  brought, 
Our  vows  are  brought  on  high : 

The  wondrous  works  thy  hand  has  wrought 
Proclaim  thy  presence  nigh. 


THE    PSALTER.  143 

I  wait  th'  appointed  time  from  thee, 

It  shall  not  linger  long, 
When  I  shall  speak  the  just  decree, 

And  shield  the  meek  from  wrong. 

Earth  melts  away  :  from  land  to  land 

Its  fainting  nations  groan  : 
Earth's  solid  pillars  trembling  stand, 

Upheld  by  me  alone. 

I  spake  unto  the  mad  ones,  Check 

The  madness  of  your  scorn  : 
And  to  the  proud  ones,  Bend  your  neck, 

Nor  rear  your  angry  horn  : 

For  not  from  Eastern  climes  or  isles 

Beyond  the  Western  main, 
Or  where  the  Southern  sunlight  smiles 

On  many  a  desert  plain, 

Comes  voice  or  might  a  doom  to  tell ; 

God  calls  it  all  His  own  : 
His  judgment  shuts  the  captive's  cell, 
And  builds  the  conqueror's  throne. 

The  Lord's  right  hand  a  cup  extends, 

Red  glows  the  wine  within  ; 
To  sinners'  lips  His  sentence  sends 

The  penal  draught  of  sin. 

The  madness  of  their  triumph  past, 

The  grief  and  fear  remain  : 
With  trembling  heart  they  drink  at  las! 

The  palling  drops  of  pain. 


144  THE    PSALTER. 

But  I,  while  time's  long  years  shall  flow, 

Will  tell  this  truth  abroad  ; 
And  with  unwearied  lips  will  show 

The  praise  of  Jacob's  God. 

And  I  will  break  the  horn  of  pride, 
That  would  the  heavens  defy  : 

While  righteous  power  shall  still  abide, 
And  lift  its  horn  on  high. 


PSALM  LXXVI. 

In  Judah's  land  our  God  is  known, 
In  Israel's  hosts  His  name  is  great ; 

In  Salem  shines  His  temple  throne, 
In  Sion's  mount  His  temple-gate. 

There  brake  His  hands  the  hostile  bow, 
And  dashed  its  shivered  arrows  wide : 

The  shield  and  sword  were  trampled  low, 
And  war's  wild  tumult  sank  and  died. 

With  peerless  might  and  glory  crowned, 
Thou  see'st  with  scorn  the  proud  array 

Of  rocky  bulwarks  girding  round 

The  heights  where  robbers  guard  their  prey. 

The  stout  of  heart  were  spoiled  in  flight ; 

A  deadly  sleep  the  warriors  slept : 
Not  one  of  all  the  men  of  might 

His  hand's  old  strength  or  cunning  kept. 


THE    PSA  L  TV,  11.  i  i.- 

God  of  our  sires,  at  thy  command 

Chariot  and  steed  went  harmless  down  : 
Thou,  thou  art  dreadful :  who  can  stand 

Before  the  tempest  of  thy  frown  ? 

From  heaven  thy  voice  in  thunder  spoke, 
And  earth  stood  still,  and  heard  and  feared. 

When  God,  for  judgment's  righteous  stroke. 
To  save  the  meek,  His  arm  upreared. 

The  wrath  of  man  thy  praise  shall  bring, 
The  stubborn  remnant  thou  shalt  stay  : 

Then,  bear  your  vows  to  God  your  King, 
And  as  ye  vowed,  your  offering  pay. 

From  far  and  near,  before  Him  bowed, 
Spread  your  best  treasures,  and  adore  : 

For  He  shall  quell  all  tyrants  proud. 
And  daunt  the  lords  of  every  shore. 


PSALM  LXXYII. 

To  God  my  cry  ascends, 

To  God  my  eager  cry  : 
I  seek  the  Lord,  whose  ear  attends 

Though  trouble  clouds  the  sky. 

All  night  my  hands  I  spread, 

Xor  rest  nor  comfort  bear, 
Griefs  wildest  waves  o'erflow  my  head, 

And  groans  are  all  my  prayer. 

10 


146  THE    PSALTER. 

I  think  on  thee  and  sigh  ; 

My  weary  lips  are  dumb : 
Sleep  flies  afar  my  straining  eye, 

That  strains  to  see  thee  come. 

I  think  on  days  of  old, 

On  years  departed  long, 
With  mine  own  breast  communion  hold, 

And  wake  my  nightly  song. 

Then  asks  my  anxious  heart, 
M  Will  God  forever  spurn  ? 

And  shall  His  mercy  quite  depart, 
His  smile  no  more  return  ? 

"  Forgets  the  Lord  His  grace, 
His  promise  pledged  of  old  ? 

Or  shall  no  more  His  heavenly  place 
Its  gates  of  love  unfold?" 

But  other  thoughts  reply, 

O  feeble  spirit,  stand  ! 
Nor  doubt  the  arm  of  God  Most  High, 

The  years  of  His  right  hand  ! 

I  call  His  deeds  to  mind, 
His  deeds  of  ancient  days  ; 

The  footsteps  of  His  might  I  find, 
And  tell  of  all  His  ways. 

Thy  fame  my  lips  shall  sound ; 

Thy  glories  still  I  see  : 
Thy  path,  O  God,  is  holy  ground  : 

What  God  is  God  like  thee  ? 


THE    PSA  L  7  Eli.  147 

Thy  might,  O  wondrous  God, 

Far  o'er  the  nations  beamed, 
When  first  thy  red  right  arm  and  rod 

Thy  patriarchs'  sons  redeemed. 

The  waters  saw  thee,  Lord  ; 

The  waters  saw  thy  look  : 
They  feared  to  hear  thy  thundering  word  ; 

The  depths  high  caverns  shook. 

In  floods  the  clouds  came  down ; 

Thy  voice  was  in  the  sky  ; 
And  mid  the  whirlwind's  black'ning  frown, 

Thine  arrows  hurtled  by. 

Thy  thunders  rolled  in  heaven ; 

Thy  lightnings  lit  the  world  : 
And  earth  beneath  thy  feet  was  riven, 

And  ocean  back  was  hurled. 

There  went  thy  steps  unseen  ; 

The  waves  withheld  their  shock  : 
Moses  and  Aaron  passed  between, 

The  shepherd^  and  the  flock. 


PSALM  LXXVIII. 

Hear  this  my  law,  my  people  hear : 
And  give  my  words  your  willing  ear 
My  mouth  shall  lofty  lore  unfold, 
My  lips  dark  sentences  of  old. 


148  THE    PSALTER. 

Our  ears  have  heard,  we  know  them  well, 
The  tales  our  fathers  used  to  tell ; 
Nor  shall  our  tongues  forbear  to  trace 
The  record  for  our  future  race : 

But  times  remote,  the  latter  days, 
The  story  of  the  Lord's  high  praise 
Shall  hear,  and  ponder  with  delight 
His  wondrous  deeds,  His  arm  of  might. 

His  covenant  He  with  Jacob  sealed, 
His  love  to  Israel  He  revealed, 
And  gave  our  sires  the  charge  divine, 
In  trust  for  their  succeeding  line : 

That  year  to  year,  and  age  to  age, 
Might  safe  convey  the  sacred  page, 
And  sons  be  born,  arise,  and  speed 
The  warning,  onward  to  their  seed  ; 

That  on  their  God  they  rest  them  still, 
And  love  His  name,  and  work  His  will, 
Nor,  like  their  fathers,  haste  to  wrong, 
Infirm  in  faith,  in  treason  strong. 

So  Ephraim's  archers  turned  away 
And  fled  in  battle's  burning  day, 
Forsook  His  covenant  and  His  law, 
Forgot  the  works  their  fathers  saw  ; 

The  wonders  wrought  on  Egypt's  strand, 
The  signs  in  Zoan's  plenteous  land  ; 
He  cleft  their  pathway  through  the  deep, 
And  piled  the  billows'  rampart  heap. 


THE    P SAL  TEH.  149 

All  d:iv,  where'er  their  journey  led, 
His  pillared  cloud  before  them  sped; 
And  through  the  darkness  of  the  night, 
Above  them  hung  His  pillared  light. 

From  desert  roeks  He  caused  the  waves 
To  gush  as  from  the  ocean  caves  ; 
And  gave  them  from  the  stone  to  drink 
As  from  the  river's  grassy  brink. 

They  sinned  the  more  ;  and  pride  and  lust 
Denied  the  arm  Most  High  their  trust : 
Their  hearts  the  Lord's  long  suffering  tried  ; 
Their  murmuring  lips  for  banquets  cried. 

Can  God  e'en  here  a  table  spread, 

Where  all  around  is  waste  and  dead  ? 

He  smote  the  rock,  and  waters  gushed, 

And  streams  through  unknown  channels  rushed; 

Can  that  same  hand  the  cup  that  poured, 
Heap  high  with  bread  our  desert  board  ? 
Or  all  this  languid  host  refresh 
With  generous  food  of  strengthening  flesh  ? 

Then  heard  the  Lord,  and  fast  as  fire 
Through  Israel  swept  His  blazing  ire  : 
On  unbelief  His  vengeance  came, 
And  hardened  hearts  provoked  the  flame. 

For  He  had  oped  celestial  doors, 
And  bade  the  clouds  unlock  their  stores, 
And  poured  down  manna  o'er  the  plain, 
As  in  thick  showers  of  blessed  rain. 


150  THE    PSALTER. 

So  man  with  angels'  food  was  fed, 
And  nourished  with  celestial  bread, 
His  were  the  garners  of  the  sky, 
And  daily  plenty  ever  nigh. 

God  sent  through  heaven  the  eastern  blast, 
And  in  His  power  the  south  wind  passed  ; 
And  flesh,  like  dust,  o'erspread  the  land, 
And  birds,  like  ocean's  grains  of  sand. 

Through  all  their  camp  it  lay  around ; 
At  every  tent  it  strewed  the  ground  ; 
They  seized,  they  ate,  and  full  were  filled ; 
For  he  had  given  them  all  they  willed. 

But  ere  their  lustful  tumult  ceased, 
The  wrath  of  God  disturbed  the  feast ; 
He  smote  the  revellers  in  their  pride, 
And  Israel's  chosen  bowed  and  died. 

Again,  again,  they  rushed  to  sin, 
Nor  all  His  works  their  trust  could  win  ; 
And  therefore  sped  their  days  and  years 
In  fruitless  toil,  and  many  tears. 

Roused  by  the  terror  of  His  rod, 
They  early  turned,  and  sought  their  God, 
To  God  their  Rock  they  raised  their  eye, 
To  God  their  Saviour,  throned  on  high. 

But  vain  the  vows  their  sorrow  wrung, 
And  falsely  prayed  their  trembling  tongue, 
Their  treacherous  heart  was  never  true, 
But  far  His  covenant's  bands  they  threw. 


THE    PSALTER.  151 

Yet  oft  their  gracious  God  forgave, 
He  stayed  His  wrath,  He  longed  to  save  : 
He  knew  them  flesh,  a  vapour  vain, 
A  "breath  that  goes,  nor  comes  again. 

How  oft  along  the  desert  sand, 
They  grieved  His  heart,  and  dared  His  hand ! 
Oft  and  full  oft  their  God  they  tried, 
And  Israel's  Holy  One  defied. 

They  thought  not  on  His  rescuing  stroke, 
The  day  He  dashed  their  foemen's  yoke, 
The  wonders  wrought  on  Egypt's  strand, 
The  signs  in  Zoan's  plenteous  land  : 

He  turned  their  healthful  streams  to  blood, 
They  drank  no  more  the  sickening  flood ; 
Dark  insect  clouds  above  them  lowered, 
And  marshy  swarms  their  land  devoured  : 

The  wasting  worm  laid  bare  their  soil ; 
The  locust  reaped  their  annual  toil ; 
Their  vines  to  earth  the  hailstones  bore, 
Their  spreading  fig-trees  leafless  tore. 

Their  herds  the  tempest's  prey  He  doomed, 
Their  flocks  His  fiery  shafts  consumed  ; 
He  sent  them  vengeance,  wrath,  and  woe, 
And  angels  came  for  ill  below. 

He  gave  His  fury  pathway  wide; 
The  pest  swept  onward,  and  they  died, 
The  first-born  sons  of  Egypt's  clime, 
In  Ham's  abodes  the  pride  and  prime. 


152  THE    PSALTER. 

But  forth,  across  the  desert  sands, 
Like  flocks  He  led  His  chosen  bands  ; 
With  Him  they  marched,  nor  terror  knew, 
The  whelming  waves  their  foes  o'erthrew. 

To  His  own  land  their  tribes  He  brought, 
The  holy  mount,  His  right  hand  bought : 
Afar  He  strewed  the  heathen  hosts, 
And  Israel  dwelt  through  all  their  coasts. 

And  still  was  God  Most  High  defied  ; 
StilHurned  they  from  His  laws  aside ; 
Back  on  their  fathers'  path  would  go, 
And  faltered  like  an  aimless  bow. 

With  idol  shrines  they  mocked  the  Lord  ; 
He  heard,  and  Israel's  race  abhorred ; 
No  more  His  light  on  Shiloh  glowed, 
The  tent  where  God  with  men  abode. 

He  gave  His  strength  to  stranger  lands, 
His  glory  to  the  conqueror's  hands  ; 
The  sword  amid  His  people  fed, 
And  in  His  wrath  His  subjects  bled. 

Red  o'er  the  youths  the  deathfire  blazed  ; 
No  nuptial  song  their  maidens  raised ; 
Their  priesthood  fell  before  their  foes, 
And  yet  no  widow's  wail  arose. 

Then  woke  the  Lord,  as  dreamers  wake, 
And  with  a  start  their  slumbers  break  ; 
As  strong  men  shout,  who  deep  have  quaffed, 
Exulting  in  the  joyous  draught. 


THE    PSALTER.  153 

The  Lord's  long  slumber  was  gone  by ; 
Th'  Almighty  warrior  raised  His  cry, 
With  shameful  wounds  He  chased  them  back, 
And  endless  scorn  pursued  their  track. 

But  not  e'en  then  on  Joseph's  tent, 
Or  Ephraim's  tribe  His  choice  was  bent : 
He  chose  the  men  of  Judah's  race, 
He  loved  Mount  Sion's  holy  place. 

Firm  as  the  heavens  its  base  He  cast, 
Firm  as  the  earth's  foundations  fast ; 
Then  from  the  folds  His  servant  led, 
And  set  the  crown  on  David's  head. 

He  brought  him  from  the  bleating  mead, 
His  Israel's  flock  to  rule  and  feed : 
He  fed  them  with  an  upright  will, 
And  ruled  them  with  a  shepherd's  skill. 


PSALM  LXXIX. 

O  God,  the  heathen  tread  thy  chosen  soil, 
Their  feet  pollute  thy  heritage  and  home  : 

The  temple  of  thy  holiness  they  spoil, 

And  lay  in  heaps  thy  Salem's  tower  and  dome. 

The  forest  beasts  thy  mangled  servants  tore, 
Thy  saints  were  cast  to  ravening  beasts  a  prey ; 

Like  water  round  Jerusalem  ran  their  gore, 
And  none  were  left,  the  burial  rites  to  pay. 


154  THE    P  SALTER. 

Behold  us  now  our  heathen  neighbours'  jest, 
The  unbeliever's  scorn,  where'er  we  turn  : 

On  us  forever  shall  thine  anger  rest  ? 

Thy  jealous  wrath  like  fire  forever  burn  ? 

Oh,  let  that  wrath  the  stubborn  heathen  taste ; 

Realms  that  nor  know  thy  name,  nor  own 
thy  power ! 
For  Jacob's  seed  with  ruthless  hate  they  waste, 

Destroy  his  cities,  and  his  sons  devour. 

Oh,  call  not  now  our  former  guilt  to  mind, 
But  speed  in  mercy,  for  we  all  decay  : 

Help  us,  for  thy  sake,  Saviour,  God  most  kind, 
And  for  thy  glory,  take  our  sins  away. 

Why   should   men    cry,   "  Where   sleeps   their 
God  ?"     Be  known 
In  vengeance  for  the  blameless  blood  they 
shed  : 
Hear  in  thy  might  the  captive's  lonely  moan, 
And  change  the  doom  that  ranks  him  with 
the  dead. 

And   sevenfold   scorn  on   those  proud  bosoms 
heap 
That  scorned  thee,  Lord,  in  their  blaspheming 
pride : 
So  we  thy  people  and  thy  pasture's  sheep 
Will  thank  and  praise  thee  while  the  ages 
glide. 


THE    PSALTER.  155 


PSALM  LXXX. 

O  Thou,  who  still  art  Israel's  Guide, 
And  Joseph's  tender  Shepherd,  hear : 

Where  cherubs  wait  on  either  side, 
Again  in  solemn  state  appear. 

Oh,  come  while  Rachel's  offspring  see. 
And  bare  thine  arm  with  saving  might : 

And  turn  us,  Lord,  once  more  to  thee, 
And  smile,  and  all  shall  yet  be  light. 

Lord  God  of  hosts,  when  cease  the  years 
Of  prayer  that  vainly  strives  with  woe  ? 

Thou  giv'st  thy  people  bread  of  tears, 
And  bitter  tears  their  cup  o'erdow. 

Our  foes  deride  us  while  we  flee  ; 

Our  conquerors  o'er  their  captives  fight ; 
But  turn  us,  Lord  of  hosts,  to  thee, 

And  smile,  and  all  shall  soon  be  light. 

Thou  brought'st  a  vine  from  Egypt's  strand, 
And  drav'st  afar  the  heathen  hosts  : 

It  hung  its  foliage  o'er  the  land, 

It  stretch'd  its  roots  through  all  our  coasts. 

The  hills  beneath  its  shadow  rose  ; 

Its  boughs  like  stately  cedars  spread  : 
They  towered  where  old  Euphrates  flov.  s, 

They  stooped  o'er  ocean's  western  bed. 


156  THE    PSALTER. 

Why  mourns  it  now  its  fenceless  bowers, 
Its  grapes,  the  scornful  passer's  spoil  ? 

The  field's  wild  brood  its  fruit  devours, 
The  forest  boar  uproots  its  soil. 

To  thee,  O  God  of  hosts,  we  pray ! 

Thy  wonted  goodness,  Lord,  renew  ! 
From  heaven,  thy  throne,  this  vine  survey : 

Her  wasted  state  in  pity  view. 

Behold  the  vineyard  made  by  thee, 

Which  thy  right  hand  has  held  so  long ; 

And  keep  that  branch  from  danger  free, 
Which  for  thyself  thou  mad'st  so  strong. 

To  wasting  flames  it  lies  a  prey, 

Its  spreading  boughs  are  smitten  down  ; 

At  thy  rebuke  its  charms  decay, 
And  perish  at  thy  awful  frown. 

Oh,  be  he  crowned  with  good  success, 
Whom  thy  right  hand  has  kept  from  wrong 

The  Son  of  Man  with  victory  bless, 

Whom  for  thyself  thou  mad'st  so  strong. 

So  from  thy  paths  we  shall  not  flee, 

But  live,  and  praise  thy  sovereign  might : 

So  turn  us,  God  of  hosts,  to  thee, 
And  smile,  and  all  shall  yet  be  light. 


THE    PS  ALTER.  15' 


.  PSALM  LXXXI. 

Sing  ioud  to  God,  our  Saviour  strong, 

And  shout  to  Jacob's  King  : 
Awake  the  timbrel  and  the  song, 

And  strike  the  silvery  string. 

With  harp  and  psaltery's  pleasant  tune, 
With  trumpets  long  and  loud, 

Rejoice  beneath  the  early  moon, 
Amid  the  festal  crowd. 

For  such  the  witness  God  decreed, 

And  such  the  law  He  gave, 
To  Jacob's  sons,  to  Joseph's  seed, 

Xo  longer  Egypt's  slave. 

When,  at  His  captive  people's  groan, 
He  came  with  judgments  dread, 

And  forth,  from  realms  of  speech  unknown, 
Our  rescued  armies  led. 

I  from  the  load  thy  shoulder  freed, 

Thy  hands  from  servile  clay  : 
I  heard  thee  in  thine  hour  of  need, 

And  broke  the  tyrant's  sway. 

I  answered  thee  from  clouds  on  high, 
Where  storms  and  thunder  hide  ; 

I  proved  thee  where,  in  deserts  dry, 
The  rock  poured  out  its  tide. 


158  THE    PSALTER. 

Bear  witness,  people  of  my  love  : 

0  Israel,  give  thine  ear : 
Seek  thou  no  other  god  above, 

No  stranger's  idol  fear. 

Thy  God  and  Lord,  thy  Saviour  tried, 
Th'  Egyptian  ransom  gave  : 

Ope  thou  thy  lips  and  wishes  wide, 
And  all  my  bounties  crave. 

My  people  would  not  hear  my  voice, 
My  presence  Israel  spurned  : 

I  gave  them  to  their  stubborn  choice, 
And  where  they  would  they  turned. 

Oh,  had  they  listened,  had  they  trod 
Where  God  had  been  their  guide  ! 

Their  foes  had  fallen  beneath  my  rod, 
Their  tyrant's  boast  had  died. 

All  haters  prostrate  at  their  feet, 
That  feared  no  wile  or  shock, 

Their  feast  had  smiled  with  lordly  wheat, 
And  honey  from  the  rock. 


PSALM  LXXXII. 

Among  the  gods  endued  with  might, 
A  mightier  God  doth  stand, 

Prepared  to  doom  with  judgment  right 
The  judges  of  the  land. 


THE    PSALTER.  15! 

How  long  will  ye  with  wrongful  aid 
Th'  oppressor's  cause  protect  ? 

How  long,  by  meed  or  favour  swayed, 
The  impious  man  respect  ? 

Protect  the  fatherless  and  weak ; 

Defend  the  poor  distressed, 
And  give  deliverance  to  the  meek, 

By  lawless  power  oppressed. 

Learn  will  they  not,  nor  understand ! 

In  darkness  on  they  go  ! 
Quake  all  the  pillars  of  the  land, 

And  totter  to  and  fro. 

True,  ye  are  Gods,  ye  Kings,  I  said, 
And  sons  of  God  Most  High  : 

Yet  as  the  sons  of  men  ye  fade, 
And  like  the  nations  die. 

Arise,  O  Lord,  assert  thy  might ; 

Pronounce  thy  just  decree  : 
The  heritage  of  earth  by  right 

Belongs,  O  God,  to  thee. 


PSALM  LXXXIII. 

Oh,  not  in  silence,  Lord,  abide, 

Nor  let  thine  anger  rest ; 
For  lo,  thy  foes,  with  shouts  of  pride, 

Lift  high  their  impious  crest. 


160  THE    PSALTER. 

Against  thy  chosen  seed  they  stand, 

And  crafty  counsels  frame  ; 
"  Come,  let  us  sweep  from  Israel's  land 

Its  nation  and  its  name." 

Against  thee,  Lord,  their  power  consents, 

And  there  in  league  are  seen 
Ishmael  and  Moab,  Edom's  tents, 

The  desert  Hagarene : 

Gebal  and  Amnion,  Amalek's  hosts, 

And  doomed  Philistia's  plain  ; 
While  Assur's  realms,  and  Tyre's  rich  coasts, 

The  sons  of  Lot  sustain. 

O'erthrow  them,  Lord,  as  thou  of  old 
Didst  Midian's  arms  o'erthrow  ; 

As  when  the  tide  of  battle  rolled 
By  Kishon's  ancient  flow. 

There  Razor's  flower,  and  Jabin's  pride, 

With  Sisera  fled  away  ; 
Or  lay  in  Endor,  side  by  side, 

As  vile  as  vilest  clay. 

Like  Zeeb  and  Oreb  be  their  lords, 

Who  God's  pure  dome  assail ; 
Like  Zeba's  and  Zalmunna's  words, 

So  let  their  boastings  fail. 

"Come  up,"  they  cry,  "their  walls  are  ours !" 

But  thou,  my  God,  be  there, 
And  whirl  afar  their  broken  powers, 

Like  chaff  that  loads  the  air. 


THE    PSALTER.  161 

As  fires  along  the  woody  steep 

And  o'er  the  forest  blaze, 
So  let  thy  wrathful  tempest  sweep, 

And  scatter  wild  amaze. 

Be  shame  and  fear  on  every  brow, 

Till  they  shall  seejv  thy  name, 
Or  crashed,  confounded,  helpless  bow, 

And  perish  in  their  shame. 

So  all  shall  praise  thy  name  alone, 

Jehovah,  Lord  Most  High ; 
Who  art  exalted  on  thy  throne, 

Supreme  o'er  earth  and  sky. 


PSALM  LXXXIV. 

O  Lord  of  hosts,  how  lovely  shine 

The  dwellings  of  thy  grace ! 
How  dear  to  me  the  courts  divine, 

That  show  thy  glorious  face  ! 

My  eager  spirit  longs  and  faints 
The  Lord's  fair  gates  to  see  ; 

My  heart  and  flesh  with  loud  complaints. 
O  living  God,  for  thee  ! 

The  sparrow  finds  her  there  a  home  ; 

The  swallow  builds  her  nest : 
Around  thy  altars,  Lord,  they  come, 

And  lay  their  young  to  rest. 
11 


162  THE    PSALTER. 

O  Lord  of  hosts,  my  King  and  God, 

How  highly  bless'd  are  they, 
Whose  daily  feet  thy  courts  have  trod, 

Who  there  thy  praise  display ! 

Thrice  happy  they  who  in  thy  might 

Ascend  the  sacred  road  : 
Who  love  the  paths  of  purest  light 

That  lead  to  thine  abode  ! 

Along  the  thirsty  vale  of  tears 

With  vigorous  step  they  go  : 
The  early  rain  their  journey  cheers, 

The  sparkling  fountains  flow. 

Thus  they  proceed  from  strength  to  strength, 

And  still  approach  more  near, 
Till  all  in  Sion,  met  at  length, 

Before  their  God  appear. 

Lord  God  of  hosts,  hear  thou  my  cry, 
Thou  God  of  Jacob's  line  : 

0  God  our  Shield,  with  favouring  eye 
On  thine  anointed  shine. 

For  in  thy  courts  one  single  day 

With  richer  bliss  shall  glide, 
Than  thousands  give  and  waft  away 

In  all  the  world  beside. 

1  love  the  threshold  of  the  gate 

Where  thou  hast  entered  in  : 
More  dear  to  me,  e'en  there  to  wait 
Than  rule  the  tents  of  sin. 


THE    PSALTER.  103 

For  God,  who  is  our  Sun  and  Shield, 

Will  grace  and  glory  give  ; 
All  blessings  his  kind  love  shall  yield 

To  them  that  justly  live. 

O  God  of  hosts,  the  mighty  Lord, 

How  highly  bless'd  is  he, 
Whose  hope  shall  have  its  sure  reward, 

Reposing  still  on  thee  ! 


PSALM  LXXXV. 

Lord,  from  thine  eyes  the  beams  of  grace 

Have  lighted  on  thy  land ; 
And  captive  Jacob's  rescued  race 

Adore  thy  saving  hand. 

Thy  people's  guilt  is  all  forgiven, 

Their  sin  is  covered  o'er  ; 
Thy  wrath's  fierce  storm  far  on  has  driven, 

Thy  smile  has  dawned  once  more. 

O  God  our  Saviour,  turn  us  still : 

Here,  let  thine  anger  end  ! 
Or  shall  the  clouds  of  vengeful  ill 

From  age  to  age  descend  ? 

Wilt  thou  not  turn,  that,  glad  in  thee, 

Thy  people's  heart  may  live  ? 
Oh  give  us,  Lord,  thy  grace  to  see, 

Thy  full  salvation  give. 


164  THE    r  SALTER. 

I  hearken  for  the  Lord's  still  voice, 

And  hear  it  gently  say, 
"  Peace"  to  the  people  of  His  choice, 

"  But  go  no  more  astray." 

His  love,  to  them  that  fear  him  shown, 
Their  soul  from  death  defends  ; 

And  glory  from  th'  eternal  throne 
To  dwell  with  men  descends. 

Prevailing  mercy,  truth  unchanged, 
Have  kind  communion  sweet : 

Justice  and  peace,  no  more  estranged. 
With  answering  kisses  meet. 

Truth  from  the  earth  is  seen  to  rise, 
And  wide  her  branches  throw  ; 

And  justice  from  her  native  skies 
Looks  forth  on  man  below. 

The  Lord  His  blessing  thus  bestows, 
And  grants  our  land's  increase  ; 

While  righteousness  before  Him  goes, 
And  points  the  way  of  peace. 


PSALM  LXXXVI. 

0  Lord,  bow  down  thine  ear  ; 

Poor  am  I,  low  and  lone  ; 
Preserve  my  soul,  to  thee  still  dear*, 

And  holy,  all  thine  own. 


THE    PSALTER.  165 

Thy  trusting  servant  save, 

In  mercy  hear  my  voice  ; 
With  daily  cries  thine  aid  I  crave ; 

Oh,  let  my  soul  rejoice  ! 

To  thee  its  wings  I  lift ; 

For  thou  art  good  and  kind  ; 
And  those  who  seek  thy  mercy's  gift 

That  plenteous  gift  shall  find. 

On  thee,  on  thee  I  call ; 

Oh,  mark  my  meek  distress ; 
And  sure  some  answering  word  will  fall 

From  thee  to  soothe  and  bless. 

Among  the  gods  is  none, 

O  Lord  my  God,  but  thou : 
Xo  deeds  like  thine  their  hosts  have  done : 

All  realms  to  thee  shall  bow. 

Thou  mad'st  them,  and  their  praise 
Thy  glorious  name  shall  own  : 

For  thou  art  great,  and  great  thy  ways : 
The  Lord  is  God  alone. 

Teach  me  the  path  o£  light, 

That  truth  my  steps  may  frame  : 

My  spirit's  wandering  powers  unite 
To  fear  thy  sovereign  name. 

Thy  praises,  Lord  my  King, 

My  heart  shall  ever  tell, 
And  thy  redeeming  mercy  sing, 

That  shuts  the  depth  of  hell. 


166  THE    PSALTER. 

O  God,  the  proud  arise, 

Th'  assemblies  of  fierce  strife  : 

Against  thy  fear  they  close  their  eyes, 
And  seek  my  helpless  life. 

But  thou,  my  Lord  above, 

With  radiant  grace  art  crowned, 

Thy  truth  and  pitying  patient  love 
Beyond  our  sins  abound. 

Oh,  turn  with  aspect  mild, 
And  nerve  thy  servant's  arm, 

And  save  thy  humble  handmaid's  child 
From  those  that  seek  his  harm. 

Some  happy  sign  bestow 

Before  my  haters'  sight ; 
Till  in  my  strength  ashamed  they  know 

My  comfort  and  thy  might. 


PSALM  LXXXVII. 

God's  foundation,  shaken  never, 
On  the  holy  mountain  towers  : 

Sion's  gates  he  loves  forever 

More  than  all  of  Jacob's  powers. 

Glorious  deeds  are  still  thy  story, 
City  of  the  chosen  mount ! 

Rahab  now  and  Babel's  glory, 
With  my  brethren  I  will  count. 


THE    PSALTER.  167 

Palestine,  with  all  her  regions, 

Tyre,  and  Ethiopia  meet : 
There  were  born  the  sacred  legions, 

Brethren  all  in  Sion's  seat. 

And  of  Sion  shall  be  chanted, 

"  This,  and  this,  was  born  in  her  :" 

God's  own  arm  her  wall  has  planted, 
Home  of  each  true  worshipper. 

God  shall  say,  her  records  reading, 
"Here  his  heavenly  birth  had  he  !" 

While  thy  bards  and  minstrels  leading, 
All  my  streams  I  trace  to  thee. 


PSALM  LXXXVIII. 

God  of  my  health,  to  thee  my  prayer  I  make 
In  the  bright  morn,  and  in  the  evening  gloom : 

Hear  me  and  save  !     Afflictions  o'er  me  break, 
And  my  soul  sinks  with  sorrow  to  the  tomb. 

As  if  the  grave  had  closed  above  my  head, 
As  if  of  strength  and  hope  and  breath  bereft, 

Outcast  of  men,  they  count  me  with  the  dead, 
Rent  from  thy  hand,  and  lone  and  helpless  left. 

Plunged  in  a  dark  abyss  of  wretchedness, 
Dark  as  the  night,  immeasurably  deep, 

Hard  on  my  soul  thy  angry  terrors  press. 
And  o'er  me  all  thy  surging  billows  sweep. 


168  THE    PSALTER. 

My  friends  deny  me  as  a  man  unknown, 
Or  from  my  hated  sigiit  abhorrent  flee ; 

In  gloomy  dungeon  pent,  I  pine  alone, 

Nor  beam  of  light,  nor  hope  of  freedom  see. 

Mine  eye  with  grief  is  wasted  :  every  day 
To  thee  I  pour  my  cries,  my  hands  I  raise : 

Wilt  thou  thy  wonders  to  the  dead  display  ? 
Shall  the  cold  dead  arise  and  speak  thy  praise  ? 

Shall  all  thy  goodness  in  the  grave  be  told  ? 

Thy  truth,  where  death  and  desolation  dwell  ? 
Thy  wonders  shall  obscurity  unfold  ? 

Or  mute  oblivion  all  thy  justice  tell  ? 

But,  Lord,  to  thee  my  earnest  prayer  I  make, 
My  voice  salutes  thee  with  the  dawning  day : 

My  God,  my  God,  ah,  why  my  soul  forsake  ? 
Why  close  thine  ear,  and  turn  thy  face  away  ? 

E'en  from  my  youth  affliction  wrings  my  frame, 
Pain  drowns  my  breath,  and  doubt  distracts 
my  soul ; 
Whilst,  armed  for  death  I  see  thy  anger's  flame, 
And  through  the  ravening  storm  thy  thun- 
ders roll. 

Fierce  as  a  flood,  thy  terrors  round  me  rise, 
A  circling  sea  of  woes  without  a  shore ; 

Each  friend  and  lover  at  thy  bidding  flies, 
And  old  associates  go,  and  turn  no  more. 


THE    PSALTER.  ]C<j 


PSALM  LXXXIX. 


Thy  mercies,  Lord,  shall  be  my  song, 
My  song  on  them  shall  ever  dwell : 

To  ages  yet  unborn  my  tongue 
Thy  never-failing  truth  shall  tell. 

For  I  have  said,  the  heavens  on  high 
Were  fixed  by  thine  almighty  hand  ; 

E'en  so  thy  mercies  reach  the  sky, 

And  as  the  heavens,  thy  truth  shall  stand. 

Thus  spak'st  thou  by  thy  prophet's  voice, 
"  With  David  I  a  league  have  made  : 

To  him,  my  servant  and  my  choice, 
By  solemn  oath  this  grant  conveyed  ; 

"  While  earth  and  seas  and  skies  endure, 
Thy  seed  shall  in  my  sight  remain  ; 

To  them  thy  throne  shall  still  be  sure, 
To  endless  ages  they  shall  reign." 

For  such  stupendous  truth  and  love 

Both  heaven  and  earth  just  praises  owe, 

By  choirs  of  angels  sung  above, 
And  by  assembled  saints  below. 

What  seraph  of  celestial  birth 

To  vie  with  Israel's  God  shall  dare  ? 

Or  who  among  the  sons  of  earth 
With  our  almighty  Lord  compare  ? 


170  THE    PSALTER. 

Thou  God  before  whose  heavenly  state 
Thy  saints  in  sacred  reverence  bow, 

Lord  God  of  hosts,  oh,  who  is  great, 
Or  who  enrobed  with  truth,  as  thou  ? 

Thou  dost  the  lawless  sea  control, 

And  change  the  prospect  of  the  deep  : 

Thou  mak'st  the  sleeping  billows  roll, 
Thou  mak'st  the  rolling  billows  sleep. 

And  broken,  like  a  battered  corse, 

By  thee  was  Pharaoh's  wrathful  pride, 

And  scattered  with  resistless  force 
Each  foe  that  thy  strong  arm  defied. 

The  heavens  are  thine,  and  thine  the  earth  : 
Thou  framed'st  the  land,  and  thou  the  sea ; 

Thou  gav'st  the  North  and  South  their  birth  ; 
Tabor  and  Hermon  shout  to  thee. 

Thine  arm  has  empire  all  its  own  : 

Thy  strong  right  hand  holds  high  its  sway  ; 

Justice  and  judgment  rear  thy  throne, 
And  truth  and  grace  prepare  thy  way. 

Happy,  thrice  happy,  they  who  hear 
Thy  sacred  trumpet's  joyful  voice, 

Before  thy  festal  pomp  appear, 

And  in  thine  eye's  pure  light  rejoice. 

For  thou  our  glorious  strength  shalt  yield, 
Thy  love  our  lofty  horn  maintains  ; 

The  Lord  is  still  our  saving  shield, 
The  holy  King  in  Israel  reigns. 


THE    PSALTER.  17l 

In  visions,  to  thy  sainted  seer, 

Thou  spak'st  of  old,  "With  succour  crowned, 
A  Hero  and  a  Head  I  rear, 

Amidst  my  lowly  people  found. 

"  On  David's,  on  my  servant's  brow, 
This  hand  the  kingly  oil  has  poured  ; 

His  sceptre  but  to  me  shall  bow, 

My  arm  shall  urge  his  conquering  sword. 

"  Xo  foe  shall  hurl  him  from  his  seat, 

Xo  tyrant  mock  his  fallen  state  ; 
His  foes  shall  tremble  at  his  feet, 

And  I  will  waste  the  bands  of  hate. 

"  My  truth  and  love  shall  guard  his  reign  ; 

In  my  great  name  his  horn  shall  soar  : 
His  hand  shall  reach  the  Western  main, 

His  right  the  Eastern  torrent's  shore. 

" 4  Father  and  Saviour,'  he  shall  cry, 
1  From  thee  shall  my  salvation  spring  :' 

And  I  will  give  his  birthright  high, 
My  first-born's  place,  o'er  every  king. 

"  For  him  my  mercy  shall  endure, 
My  covenant  still  its  might  maintain ; 

His  seed  shall  rise  in  glory  sure, 

His  throne  as  heaven's  own  days  remain. 

"  If  yet  his  children's  wandering  heart 
My  just  commandments  shall  forsake, 

From  my  unchanging  paths  depart, 

And  o'er  the  gracious  boundaries  break ; 


172  THE    PSALTER. 

"  Then  on  their  sins  the  rod  shall  fall, 

And  chastening  stripes  their  soul  shall  grieve 

But  I  will  ne'er  my  truth  recall, 
Nor  all  my  ancient  favour  leave. 

"  I  will  not  break  my  covenant  fast, 

Nor  change  what  once  my  lips  have  sealed ; 

My  oath  was  once  to  David  passed, 

And  falsehood  ne'er  that  oath  shall  yield. 

"  His  seed  shall  rise  forever  sure  ; 

His  throne  shall  stand,  while  yet  on  high 
The  sun  or  moon  rolls  on  secure, 

With  each  true  witness  of  the  sky." 

But  thine  anointed  leav'st  thou  now, 
And  look'st  in  stern  abhorrence  down  : 

Thou  scorn'st  his  covenant  and  his  vow, 
And  fling'st  to  earth  his  kingly  crown. 

And  thou  hast  broke  his  stately  wall, 
And  cast  his  rampart  to  the  ground  : 

The  passing  step  insults  its  fall, 

And  pride  and  hatred  shout  around. 

Thou  giv'st  his  foes  the  conqueror's  stride, 
Thou  lift'st  his  tyrant's  ruthless  hand  ; 

Thou  turn'st  his  sword's  keen  edge  aside, 
Nor  leav'st  his  armies  strength  to  stand. 

Thou  sweep'st  his  glory  to  decay, 

And  heap'st  his  prostrate  throne  with  dust ; 
Thou  end'st  in  clouds  his  youthful  day, 

And  shame  envelops  all  his  trust. 


THE    PSALTER.  173 

How  long,  O  Lord,  withdraws  thy  face  ? 

Shall  vengeance  blaze,  and  never  wane  ? 
Oh,  think  how  short  my  weary  race : 

And  is  thy  gift  of  life  in  vain  ? 

Remember,  Lord,  how  short  our  span, 

How  speeds  the  hour  when  none  can  save  ! 

Oh,  where  the  power  or  art  of  man 
To  ransom  from  the  darksome  grave  ? 

Where  sleeps  thy  love  all  unconfessed, 
The  love,  of  old  to  David  sworn  ? 

Oh,  think  how  long  thy  servant's  breast 
His  load  of  false  reproach  has  borne  ; 

From  impious  nations  hot  with  wrath, 
From  hosts  that  me  and  thee  abhorr'd, 

And  enrs'd  thine  own  anointed' s  path  ! 
Yet,  bless' d  forever  be  the  Lord  ! 

Amen,  Amen. 


PSALM  XC. 

O  Lord,  through  rolling  ages  past 

Our  fathers'  sheltering  home, 
And  still  our  children's  refuge  fast, 

Through  rolling  days  to  come ; 

Ere  thou  hadst  reared  the  mountain's  brow, 
And  framed  this  world  of  tears, 

From  years  eternal,  God  art  thou, 
To  still  eternal  years. 


174  THE    PSALTER. 

But  man  his  last  forgotten  way 
At  thy  commandment  goes  : 

Thou  speak'st,  "  Return,  ye  sons  of  clay ;' 
And  each  the  summons  knows. 

A  thousand  years  beneath  thy  sight 

Like  yester  evening  seem  ; 
Like  one  short  watch  of  silent  night, 

A  slumberer's  fleeting  dream. 

Thy  floods  sweep  o'er  us,  and  we  pass, 

As  meadow  flowerets  fade  ; 
Fair  blooms  at  morn  the  waving  grass, 

And  falls  ere  evening's  shade. 

For  in  thy  wrath's  consuming  might 

Our  spirits  droop  and  die  : 
Our  secret  sins  are  spread  in  light 

Beneath  thy  piercing  eye. 

Swift,  like  a  tale,  is  gone  the  space 

Assigned  to  mortal  men  ; 
And  scarce  thy  doom  prolongs  the  race 

To  threescore  years  and  ten ; 

Or  if,  by  strength,  some  hoary  head 

Its  fourscore  winters  bear, 
Yet  weak  the  strength,  and  sad  the  tread 

That  totters,  worn  with  care. 

So  soon  must  life  on  pinions  flee ; 

So  swift  our  joys  depart ; 
But  who  will  all  thy  terrors  see, 

And  fear  thee  as  thou  art  ? 


THE    PSALTER.  1*5 

Oh,  teach  us,  Lord,  to  note  the  sum 

That  measures  out  our  days, 
That  so  our  wandering  hearts  may  come 

To  thy  true  wisdom's  ways. 

Return,  O  Lord  !  how  long?  how  long  ? 

Oh,  let  thy  wrath  relent ! 
Let  morning  wake  our  gladsome  song, 

And  all  be  sweet  content. 

As  thou  hast  given  us  days  of  woe, 

And  shown  us  years  of  ill, 
So  now  thy  light  of  glory  show, 

And  all  thy  love  fulfil. 

And  on  us,  Lord,  and  on  our  seed 

Let  thy  fair  favour  shine  : 
Make  thine  the  work  our  hands  would  speed ; 

Our  hands'  best  work  be  thine  ! 


PSALM  XCI. 

Who  in  God's  pavilion  holy 

Once  his  peaceful  home  has  made, 

There  may  hide  him  safe  and  lowly 
Underneath  th'  Almighty  shade. 

Lord,  my  soul  on  thee  relying, 
Finds  her  fortress  and  defence, 

While  thy  might,  all  foes  defying, 
Girds  me  with  meek  confidence. 


176  THE    PSALTER. 

He  His  chosen  shall  deliver 

From  the  subtle  fowler's  snare  ; 

From  the  blasts  that  burn  or  shiver 
Through  the  pestilential  air. 

For  His  pinions  shall  enfold  thee 
With  a  safe  and  downy  rest ; 

And  His  truth  as  firm  shall  hold  thee 
As  the  shield  that  guards  thy  breast. 

Thou  shalt  dread  no  shaft  of  danger, 
Shine  the  sunlight  or  the  moon ; 

Not  the  plague,  night's  ghastly  stranger, 
Nor  the  wasting  flush  at  noon. 

Thousands  round  thee  prostrate  lying, 
And  ten  thousand  at  thy  side, 

Thou  shalt  see  the  impious  dying, 
And  unharmed  shalt  still  abide. 

Since  the  shrine  of  thy  salvation 

Thou  hast  sought  in  God  Most  High, 

To  thy  sheltered  habitation 
111  nor  peril  shall  come  nigh. 

God  shall  charge  His  angel  legions 
Watch  and  ward  o'er  thee  to  keep 

Though  thou  walk  through  hostile  regions, 
Though  in  desert  wilds  thou  sleep. 

His  command  thy  way  ordaining 
Leaves  thee  ne'er  to  sink  alone, 

Heavenly  guards  thy  feet  sustaining 
Lest  they  strike  against  a  stone. 


THE    PSALTER. 

Oil  the  lion,  vainly  roaring, 

On  his  young  thy  heel  shall  tread  ; 

And  the  dragon's  den  exploring, 

Thou  shalt  bruise  the  serpent's  head. 

Since  with  pure  and  firm  affection 
Thou  on  me  hast  set  thy  love, 

With  the  wings  of  my  protection 
I  will  shield  thee  from  above. 

Thou  shalt  call  on  me  in  trouble  ; 

I  will  answer,  I  will  save  ; 
For  thy  grief  reward  thee  double, 

Grant  thee  triumph  o'er  the  grave. 


PSALM  XCIL 

Sweet  is  the  work,  my  God,  my  King. 
Thy  name  most  high  to  praise  and  sing  ; 
To  show  thy  love  with  morning  light, 
And  talk  of  all  thy  truth  at  night ; 

With  harp  and  lute  the  chant  to  raise, 
And  strike  the  ten-stringed  lyre  of  praise; 
To  wake  the  psaltery's  solemn  sound, 
And  pour  rejoicing  music  round. 

Thy  works,  O  Lord,  are  all  my  joy, 
Thy  works  shall  all  my  powers  employ  : 
How  high  thy  glorious  wonders  rise  ! 
How  deep  thy  mighty  counsel  lies! 
12 


178  THE    PSALTER. 

Fools  never  raise  their  thoughts  so  high, 
Like  brutes  they  live,  like  brutes  they  die ; 
Like  grass  they  flourish,  till  thy  breath 
Blasts  them  in  everlasting  death. 

For  thee,  O  Lord,  all  heavens  adore, 
Thee,  Lord  Most  High,  forevermore  : 
And  lo,  thy  foes  from  earth  shall  cease, 
Thy  foes,  the  impious  foes  of  peace. 

But  strength  above  the  wild  deer's  horn 
Shall  mine  anointed  head  adorn  : 
Mine  eye  shall  see  those  prostrate  foes, 
Mine  ear  shall  hear  their  dreadful  close. 

Like  lofty  palms  the  just  tower  on, 
Like  cedars  tall  on  Lebanon ; 
In  God's  own  courts  have  still  their  place, 
And  flourish  in  all  beauteous  grace. 

With  spreading  boughs,  and  spreading  root, 
Green  in  old  age  they  bend  with  fruit ; 
The  praise  of  God  their  strength  to  tell, 
Whose  righteous  sway  does  all  things  well. 


PSALM  XCIII. 

With  glory  clad,  with  strength  arrayed, 
The  Lord,  that  o'er  all  nature  reigns, 

The  world's  foundations  strongly  laid, 
And  the  vast  fabric  still  sustains. 


THE    PSALTER.  179 

How  surely  stablished  is  thy  throne, 
Which  shall  nor  change  nor  period  see  ! 

For  thou,  O  Lord,  and  thou  alone, 
Art  God  from  all  eternity. 

The  floods,  O  Lord,  lift  up  their  voice, 
The  mighty  floods  lift  up  their  roar  ; 

The  floods  in  tumult  loud  rejoice, 

And  climb  in  foam  the  sounding  shore. 

But  mightier  than  the  mighty  sea, 
The  Lord  of  glory  reigns  on  high  : 

Far  o'er  its  waves  we  look  to  thee, 
And  see  their  fury  break  and  die. 

Thy  promise,  Lord,  is  ever  sure ; 

And  like  thine  holy  place  above, 
So  shall  the  bosom  here  be  pure, 

Where  thou  shalt  dwell  in  perfect  love. 


PSALM  XCIV. 

Lord  God  of  vengeance,  light  the  skies 
With  judgment's  fiery  cloud  ! 

Thou  God  of  vengeance  just,  arise, 
And  recompense  the  proud  ! 

How  long  shall  guilt,  O  Lord  of  hosts, 
How  long  shall  guilt  rejoice  ? 

How  long  the  wicked  make  their  boasts, 
And  lift  their  scornful  voice  ? 


180  THE    PSALTER. 

They  trample  down  the  humble  race, 
And  slay  the  seed  oppressed, 

The  widow  in  her  child's  embrace, 
The  orphan,  and  the  guest. 

"  The  Lord  shall  never  see,"  they  cry, 

«  "  The  deeds  we  have  in  hand  :" 
"  The  God  of  Israel  dwells  too  high 
Our  work  to  understand  !" 

O  souls  most  dark  !  behold,  and  fear  ! 

How  long  refuse  ye  light  ? 
Shall  He  not  hear,  that  framed  the  ear, 

And  see,  that  gave  us  sight  ? 

Shall  not  the  world's  high  Judge  chastise  ? 

The  Source  of  knowledge  know  ? 
He  scans  the  thoughts  that  men  devise, 

A  vain  and  fleeting  show. 

That  man,  O  Lord,  is  deeply  blest, 
Thy  chastening  hand  who  feels  ; 

To  whom  thy  love,  to  give  him  rest, 
Thy  gracious  law  reveals  : 

To  give  him  rest  and  shelter  fit 

In  days  of  evil  doom, 
Till  God  for  sinners  in  the  pit 

Have  hewn  out  ample  room. 

For  God  will  ne'er  forsake  His  own, 

Nor  cast  His  saints  away : 
Till  justice  sit  on  judgment's  throne, 

While  all  the  pure  obey* 


THE    PSALTER.  181 

Who  will  rise  up,  my  cause  to  plead 
Against  th'  oppressors'  throng  ? 

Who  stand  by  me  in  hour  of  need, 
When  evil  men  are  strong  ? 

Except  the  Lord  had  been  mine  aid, 

One  moment — and  my  heart 
In  silence  and  in  deadly  shade 

Had  found  her  helpless  part. 

But  oft  as  I  in  terror  cried, 

"  Alas,  my  footsteps  fail," 
I  felt  th*  Upholder  at  my  side, 

And  still  through  thee  prevail. 

While  many  a  roving  dream  and  care 
Comes  o'er  me  strange  and  sad, 

3Iy  wild  thoughts  branching  here  and  there, 
Thy  comforts  make  me  glad. 

Canst  thou  the  thrones  of  wrong  maintain, 
That  prompt  the  lawless  deed, 

Against  the  just  draw  forth  their  train, 
And  doom  the  good  to  bleed  ? 

The  Lord  our  God,  our  Rock  and  Tower, 

Shall  all  their  crimes  repay  : 
The  Lord  shall  wield  the  slayer's  power, 

The  slayers  self  to  slay. 


182  THE    PSALTER. 


PSALM  XCV. 


O  come,  loud  anthems  let  us  sing, 
Loud  thanks  to  our  Almighty  King  ; 
For  we  our  voices  high  should  raise 
When  our  salvation's  Rock  we  praise. 

Oh,  come,  and  let  our  songs  accord, 
To  bless  our  God,  the  only  Lord  ; 
For  high  o'er  every  idol  throne 
The  Lord  our  God  is  Lord  alone. 

His  hand  the  depths  of  earth  enfolds  ; 
His  arm  the  ancient  hills  upholds  ; 
The  ocean  flowed  at  His  command  ; 
His  word  confirmed  the  solid  land. 

Come,  let  us  kneel,  bow  down,  and  fall 
Before  that  God  who  made  us  all ; 
For  He  is  still  our  God  and  Rock, 
And  we  His  people  and  His  flock. 

To-day,  to-day,  His  voice  but  hear  ! 
"Oh,  close  not  fast  your  heart  and  ear, 
As  when  of  old  your  fathers'  pride 
So  long  my  lingering  wrath  defied. 

"  While  on  their  desert  march  they  moved, 
My  works  they  saw,  mine  arm  they  proved : 
And  forty  years  their  guilt  I  bore, 
Till  that  brief  race  was  seen  no  more. 


TUE    PSALTER.  183 

"  They  scorned  to  know  my  righteous  path  ; 
And  therefore,  in  my  settled  wrath, 
Since  they  despised  my  rest,  I  sware, 
That  they  should  never  enter  there/' 


PSALM  XCYI. 

Sing  to  the  Lord  a  new-made  lay  ; 

Sing  to  the  Lord  the  earth  around ; 
Sing  to  the  Lord,  and  day  by  day 

Let  His  salvation's  praise  resound. 

His  glory  to  all  nations  show, 

Till  heathen  lands  His  name  embrace  : 

To  all  the  tribes  that  dwell  below 

Preach  the  glad  wonders  of  His  grace. 

The  heathen  gods  are  idols  vain, 

He  made  the  heavens  which  He  supports ; 
And  light  and  honour  lead  His  train, 

And  strength  and  beauty  fill  His  courts. 

To  God,  each  earthly  realm  and  tribe, 
To  God  give  glory,  strength,  and  state  : 

To  God,  His  name's  due  praise  ascribe, 
And  come  with  gifts  and  throng  His  gate. 

Serve  God,  O  earth,  in  worship  bright, 

In  the  pure  beauty  of  His  fear; 
Say  how  He  reigns  enthroned  in  light, 

Till  every  heathen  coast  shall  hear. 


184  THE    PSALTER. 

Earth's  firm  foundations,  deep  and  old, 
The  Lord  has  fixed  :  they  shall  not  move ; 

His  righteous  doom  shall  truth  uphold, 
And  guilt  o'erthrow,  and  all  things  prove. 

Let  heaven  be  glad,  let  earth  rejoice, 
The  peopled  ocean  toss  and  roar, 

The  plenteous  fields  lift  high  their  voice, 
The  woods'  wild  hymn  in  rapture  soar, 

Before  the  Lord,  their  sovereign  God, 
For  lo,  He  comes,  He  comes  with  might ; 

To  stretch  o'er  earth  His  kingly  rod, 
And  judge  His  heritage  in  right. 


PSALM  XCVII. 

The  Lord  is  King  :  thou  earth,  rejoice  ! 

Isles  of  the  sea,  lift  up  your  voice  ! 

Thick,  darkling  clouds  are  round  Him  strown  ; 

On  truth  and  justice  stands  His  throne, 

A  fiery  stream  before  Him  flows, 

And  wastes  afar  His  fleeing  foes. 

His  lightning  shafts,  in  vengeance  hurled, 
Blaze  lurid  o'er  the  trembling  world  : 
As  wax  before  the  searching  flame, 
The  mountains  melted  when  He  came, 
When  He  came  down,  whose  sceptred  sway, 
Earth  and  her  thousand  realms  obev. 


THE    PSALTER.  185 

The  heavens  revealed  His  righteous  law  : 
His  glory  all  the  nations  saw. 
Shame  be  to  them  who  prostrate  fall 
To  sculptured  forms,  and  vainly  call 
On  a  vile  image,  and  no  more  ! 
Him,  all  ye  gods,  in  dust  adore ! 

Glad  Sion  heard  with  rapture  filled  : 
Delight  through  Judah's  daughters  thrilled, 
When  thy  dread  judgments,  Lord,  w^ere  shown, 
And  all  things  owned  thee  King  alone ; 
For  earth's  proud  monarchs  bend  the  knee, 
And  gods  submissive  bow  to  thee. 

O  ye  who  love  the  sovereign  Lord, 

Be  evil  in  your  heart  abhorred ! 

They  from  His  laws  whom  naught  can  move, 

They  His  protecting  care  shall  prove, 

Nor  shall  the  impious  hand  control 

The  freedom  of  the  sainted  soul. 

Light  on  the  righteous  path  is  sown. 
And  joy  around  the  pure  has  shone  ; 
For  them  shall  fruits  of  gladness  spring  : 
Rejoice,  ye  righteous,  in  your  King. 
And,  mindful  of  the  blessing,  cry 
Praise  to  the  Holy  One  and  High ! 


186  THE    PSALTER. 


PSALM  XCVIII. 

Sing  to  the  Lord  a  new-made  song, 
Who  wondrous  things  has  done  ; 

His  holy  arm  and  right  hand  strong 
Have  glorious  conquest  won. 

The  Lord  has  through  this  earthly  sphere 

Displayed  His  saving  might, 
And  made  His  righteous  acts  appear 

In  all  the  heathen's  sight. 

He  thinks  on  all  His  truth  and  grace 

To  Israel  sworn  of  old ; 
And  His  salvation,  face  to  face, 

Earth's  utmost  lands  behold. 

Oh,  shout  and  sing,  all  realms  of  earth, 
And  thankful  praise  prolong  ; 

Oh,  wake  to  God  the  harp's  high  mirth, 
The  harp  and  voice  of  song. 

Pour  out  the  clarion's  silver  swell, 

The  trumpet's  stormy  tone, 
The  world's  triumphant  joy  to  tell 

Before  its  Sovereign's  throne. 

And  let  the  peopled  sea  rejoice, 
And  earth,  through  all  her  lands  ; 

The  mighty  hills  lift  high  their  voice, 
The  waters  clap  their  hands. 


THE    PSALTER.  187 

So  let  them  join  their  Lord  to  greet, 

Who  comes  in  holy  might, 
To  sit  on  judgment's  awful  seat, 

And  rule  the  world  in  right 


PSALM  XCIX. 

The  Lord  is  King,  enthroned  on  high, 
Where  radiant  cherubs  veil  the  brow  ; 

The  nations  tremble  at  His  eye, 

And  earth's  strong  pillars  quake  and  bow 

Ou  Sion's  hill  His  court  He  keeps, 

His  palace  makes  her  favoured  towers  : 

But  thence  His  broad  dominion  sweeps 
Supreme  above  all  earthly  powers. 

Let  therefore  all  their  praise  unite 

To  bless  His  great  and  dreadful  name, 

And  with  His  unresisted  might 
His  sovereign  holiness  proclaim. 

O  King  of  Heaven,  thy  conquering  sway 
The  righteous,  whom  thou  lov'st,  has  led 

A  law  of  truth  thy  tribes  obey, 

And  judgments  just  thy  glory  spread. 

Exalt  the  Lord  our  God,  and  fall 
Low  at  the  footstool  of  His  feet, 

For  He  is  holy,  and  the  call 

Of  ancient  saints  your  lips  repeat. 


188  THE    PSALTER. 

Moses  and  Aaron,  prince  and  priest, 
And  Samuel,  His  prevailing  seer  : 

The  call  of  saints  has  never  ceased, 
The  Lord  has  never  ceased  to  hear. 

From  the  cloud  pillar's  awful  shade, 
Moving  or  pausing,  answer  came  : 

For  they  His  statutes  kind  obeyed, 

And  loved  His  covenant's  sovereign  claim. 

Still  answeredst  thou,  O  Lord  our  God, 
And  thy  forgiveness  bless'd  them  still, 

E'en  when  they  felt  the  chastening  rod 
That  drew  them  from  their  wayward  will. 

Exalt  the  Lord  our  God,  and  bring 
To  His  pure  mount  your  holy  praise  ; 

For  holy  is  th'  Almighty  King, 

The  Lord  our  God,  through  endless  days. 


PSALM  C. 

With  one  consent  let  all  the  earth 
To  God  their  cheerful  voices  raise  ; 

Glad  homage  pay  with  awful  mirth, 
And  sing  before  Him  songs  of  praise ; 

Convinced  that  He  is  God  alone, 
From  whom  both  we  and  all  proceed : 

We,  whom  he  chooses  for  His  own, 
The  flock  which  He  vouchsafes  to  feed. 


THE    PSALTER.  180 

Oh,  enter  then  His  temple-gate, 

Thence  to  His  courts  devoutly  press : 

And  still  your  grateful  hymns  repeat, 
And  still  His  name  with  praises  bless. 

For  He's  the  Lord,  supremely  good  ; 

His  mercy  is  forever  sure  : 
His  truth,  which  always  firmly  stood. 

To  endless  ages  shall  endure. 


PSALM  CI. 

Of  mercy's  gentle  course  I  sing, 

Of  judgment's  upright  way  ; 
To  thee,  O  just  and  gracious  King, 

I  pour  the  votive  lay. 

My  constant  feet,  my  faithful  heart, 
Shall  blameless  wisdom  guide  : 

Oh,  when  wilt  thou  thy  grace  impart, 
And  where  I  am  abide  ? 

No  lawless  joy,  no  specious  gain, 

My  dazzled  eyes  shall  blind  ; 
Nor  deeds  of  impious  men  profane 

Pervert  my  stedfast  mind. 

The  heart  that  schemes  of  mischief  breeds 

To  exile  far  shall  go  : 
The  hand  denied  with  guilty  deeds 

My  soul  shall  loathe  to  know. 


190  THE    PSALTER. 

The  tongue  with  secret  slander  keen 
Shall  feel  my  stern  control : 

I  will  not  spare  the  haughty  mien, 
The  proud,  insatiate  soul. 

Mid  them  who  plighted  faith  defend, 

Entire  on  either  hand, 
Mid  them  mine  eyes  shall  seek  a  friend, 

Those  loyal  of  the  land. 

No  fraud  shall  lurk  beneath  my  roof, 
No  false  one  dwell  with  me  ; 

The  lying  lips  must  keep  aloof, 
Nor  ope  where  I  may  see. 

Swift  shall  my  sword  of  vengeance  fall 

On  all  the  impious  train  ; 
Till  God's  fair  city's  holy  wall 

Give  back  no  step  profane. 


PSALM  CII. 

Oh,  hear  my  prayer,  and  let  my  cry 
Go  up  before  thee,  Lord,  on  high  : 
Nor  hide  thy  face  in  utmost  need, 
But  come  in  love,  and  come  with  speed. 

My  days,  like  mounting  smoke-wreaths  pass, 
My  heart  is  parched  like  withered  grass  ; 
A  fire  my  fleshless  bones  devours, 
And  groans  consume  my  fasting  hours. 


THE    PSALTER.  191 

As  pines  the  bird  of  marshes  lone, 
As  makes  the  desert  owl  her  moan, 
As  from  the  tower  the  sparrow  cries, 
So  pours  my  soul  its  anxious  sighs. 

My  foes'  reproach  each  day  I  bear ; 
My  banded  foes  destruction  swear ; 
And  ashes  strew  my  lowly  board, 
And  tears  amidst  my  cup  are  poured. 

Thy  chastening  wrath  has  sent  the  blow ; 
Thou  lift'st  me  high,  and  lay'st  me  low ; 
My  days  like  fleeting  shadows  fly, 
And  parched  like  withering  grass  I  lie. 

But  thou  forever  art  the  same  ; 
Age  tells  to  age  thy  wondrous  fame : 
And  thou  shalt  yet  for  Sion  rise, 
And  view  her  wastes  with  pitying  eyes. 

Now  hastes  the  time,  the  time  fulfilled, 
The  Lord  His  city's  walls  shall  build  ; 
Thy  servants  watch  her  prostrate  towers, 
And  love  the  dust  that  hides  her  bowers. 

Then,  when  her  head  thy  Sion  rears, 
And  God's  own  glorious  arm  appears, 
All  kings  of  earth  shall  praise  thy  throne, 
All  realms  shall  worship  thee  alone. 

For  God  shall  hear  the  humble  prayer, 
And  make  the  sufferer's  cause  I  Lis  care, 
Till  distant  times  His  praise  record, 
And  unborn  nations  bless  our  Lord. 


]92  THE    PSALTER. 

From  His  high,  holy  place  above 
Looks  o'er  the  earth  the  Lord  of  love, 
And  hears  the  captive's  lowly  sigh, 
And  saves  the  guiltless,  doomed  to  die. 

So,  Sion's  mount  His  name  shall  tell, 
So,  Salem's  towers  His  praise  shall  swell, 
While  tribes  and  realms  before  Him  throng, 
And  serve  Him  with  one  heart  and  song. 

He  bowed  my  strength  amidst  my  way, 
And  hung  with  clouds  my  fading  day  : 
"  Oh  not,"  I  cried,  "  so  swift,  so  soon  ! 
Remove  me  not,  my  God,  at  noon  !" 

Thy  years  their  course  eternal  keep, 
While  ages  on  to  ages  sweep ; 
Thy  might  the  earth's  foundations  laid, 
Thy  hands  the  heavens'  bright  arch  arrayed. 

They  all  shall  pass,  but  thou  shalt  stand  ; 
They  all  shall  sink  at  thy  command  ;  i 
And  like  a  vesture's  crumbling  fold, 
Shall  earth  and  heaven  be  wrapped  and  rolled. 

But  thou  nor  change  nor  end  canst  know, 
And  while  thy  years  eternal  flow, 
Thy  servants'  seed  thy  light  shall  see, 
Their  children  shall  have  rest  in  thee. 


THE    PSALTER.  193 


psalm  cm. 


Bless,  O  ray  soul,  the  Lord  above  ; 

A  voice  let  all  within  me  find  : 
Bless,  O  my  soul,  the  Lord  of  love, 

And  call  His  mercies  all  to  mind. 

The  Lord  forgives  thy  guilty  stain, 
O'erthrows  thy  fierce  disease's  sway, 

Redeems  thy  life  from  ruin's  chain, 

And  crowns  with  joy  thy  peaceful  day  ; 

With  blessings  sweet  thy  raouth  supplies, 
Thy  vigour,  eagle-like,  renews  ; 

And,  when  the  guiltless  sufferer  cries, 
His  foe  with  just  revenge  pursues. 

To  Moses  He  revealed  His  path, 
To  Israel's  seed  His  deeds  of  grace  ; 

For,  slowly  moves  His  wakened  wrath, 
His  willing  mercy  flies  apace. 

He  will  not  evermore  upbraid, 

Nor  stretch  His  wrath  to  distant  time ; 
He  has  not  all  our  sins  repaid, 

Nor  given  the  just  reward  of  crime. 

For  look,  how  far  the  azure  sky 
O'er  earth  and  sea  its  arch  extends  ; 

So  God's  enfolding  love  on  high 

Above  His  sheltered  servants  bends. 
13 


194  THE    PSALTER. 

And  look,  how  far  from  East  to  West 
The  circling  sun  his  journey  goes ; 

So  far  our  Maker's  gracious  breast 
Our  sins'  forgotten  burden  throws. 

As  melts  a  father's  bosom  mild, 

So  melts  the  Lord  o'er  them  that  pray  ; 

He  knows  how  frail  His  mortal  child, 
And  pitying  sees  our  frame  of  clay. 

The  days  of  man  are  like  the  grass  ; 

A  flower  that  rises,  fair  and  greeti : 
The  winds  along  the  meadows  pass, 

And  where  it  bloomed  no  more  is  seen. 

But  God's  eternal  love  o'erspreads 

The  race  that  keep  His  covenant  true  ; 

And  children's  children  on  their  heads 
Receive  His  blessing's  kindly  dew. 

He  sends  His  righteous  succour  nigh, 
And  owns  His  faithful  servants'  call : 

The  Lord,  whose  throne  is  fixed  on  high, 
Whose  broad  dominion  circles  all. 

Oh,  bless  the  Lord,  ye  angels  strong, 
Who  hear  His  voice,  His  word  fulfil : 

Oh,  bless  the  Lord,  ye  glorious  throng, 
Who  speed  to  bear  His  sovereign  will ; 

Oh,  bless  the  Lord,  ye  hosts  of  light, 
And  far  as  e'er  your  chariots  roll, 

Let  all  His  works  adore  His  might ; 
Bless  thou  the  Lord,  my  grateful  soul ! 


THE    PSALTER.  19-: 


PSALM  CIV. 


Oh,  bless  the  Lord  with  all  thy  powers, 
My  mounting  spirit,  bless  His  name  ! 

O  Lord  my  God,  how  greatly  towers 

Thy  sovereign  throne  in  strength  and  fame! 

A  radiant  robe  of  golden  light 

The  Lord  around  His  glory  throws  ; 

He  spreads  the  heavens,  His  curtains  bright, 
His  chambers  on  the  deep  repose. 

He  makes  the  clouds  His  awful  car ; 

He  rides  upon  the  tempest's  wing  : 
Like  winds  and  lightnings,  swift  and  far, 

His  mighty  angels  serve  their  King. 

He  fixed  the  earth's  foundations  old, 
That  shall  not  change  while  ages  flee  ; 

And  like  a  garment's  flowing  fold, 
He  poured  around  the  rolling  sea. 

High  o'er  the  hills,  without  a  shore, 
Their  mighty  sheet  the  waters  spread  ; 

At  thy  rebuke,  thy  thunders  roar, 
They  hasted  to  their  ocean  bed. 

Then  mountains  o'er  the  torrents  frowned, 
And  vales  the  gentle  brooks  supplied  ; 

Nor  e'er  again,  beyond  its  bound, 

Shall  climb  o'er  earth  the  subject  tide. 


196  THE    r SALTER. 

Beneath  thy  hand,  the  sparkling  streams 
Mid  lonely  hills  their  pathway  burst : 

There  shuns  the  herd  the  noonday  beams, 
And  there  the  wild  ass  slakes  his  thirst. 

Along  the  banks,  in  shaded  nests, 

The  air's  blithe  songsters  sit  and  sing : 

Thy  chambers  flood  the  mountain  crests, 
Thy  works  refresh  each  living  thing. 

Thy  grassy  meads,  thy  golden  soil, 
To  beast  and  man  their  stores  impart ; 

The  joyous  wine,  the  glistening  oil, 

The  bread  that  cheers  the  fainting  heart. 

The  trees  of  God,  with  moisture  filled, 
The  ancient  cedars,  upward  tower  ; 

There  the  bright  birds  their  refuge  build, 
The  fir-tree  yields  the  stork  a  bower. 

Where  loftier  summits  touch  the  sky, 
From  crag  to  crag  the  wild  goats  leap ; 

And  safe  beyond  the  slayer's  eye, 
Their  mountain  hold  the  conies  keep. 

God  gives  the  moon  her  time  to  shine, 
And  shows  the  sun  his  downward  way, 

And,  when  the  shades  of  eve  decline, 
He  sends  abroad  the  herds  of  prey. 

Then,  gliding  from  the  dnsky  wood, 
The  lion's  roaring  offspring  roam  : 

They  seek  from  God  their  destined  food, 
Till  morn's  red  dawn  affrights  them  homo. 


THE    PS  ALT  Ell.  197 

The  rising  sun  far  eastward  glows  ; 

In  dens  the  fierce  destroyers  hide  ; 
And  man  to  cheerful  labour  goes, 

And  plies  his  toil  till  evening  tide. 

Lord,  passing  number,  passing  thought, 
Thy  works  were  all  in  wisdom  made  : 

Oh,  how  the  earth  thy  hands  have  wrought 
In  living  beauty  stands  arrayed  ! 

And  lo,  the  broad  and  mighty  sea, 

Where,  small  and  great,  its  myriads  stray  ! 

There  cleave  the  ships  their  pathway  free, 
And  there  the  watery  monsters  play. 

So  wide  thy  works  before  thee  stand, 
And  wait  from  thee  their  daily  food ; 

They  gather  from  thy  bounteous  hand, 
And  all  that  breathe  are  filled  with  good. 

Thou  hid'st  thy  face,  they  sink  in  death, 
They  vanish  from  the  realms  of  day  : 

Thou  stay'st  the  tide  of  vital  breath, 
And  falls  to  dust  the  form  of  clay. 

Thou  send'st  abroad  thy  Spirit's  might, 
And  nature  feels  the  kindling  birth  : 

A  new  creation  springs  to  light, 

And  joy  overspreads  the  smiling  earth. 

Thus  through  all  rolling  ages  stands 

The  Lord's  most  glorious  power  and  care  ; 

Pleased  with  the  wonders  of  His  hands, 
The  Lord  shall  time's  drear  wastes  repair! 


198  THE    PSALTER. 

He  looks  on  earth  ;  beneath  His  sight 
Earth's  mighty  bosom  heaves  and  quakes 

His  touch  is  on  the  mountains'  height, 
And  forth  the  smoky  volume  breaks. 

My  soul  and  voice,  while  life  shall  beat, 
Shall  hymn  the  Lord  in  joyful  lays  ; 

My  thought  on  God  shall  still  be  sweet, 
And  all  my  being  shall  be  praise. 

While  men  of  guilt  to  death  depart, 
And  earth  shakes  off  the  load  abhorr'd, 

Bless  thou  thy  God,  my  grateful  heart, 
And,  every  creature,  bless  the  Lord  ! 


PSALM  CV. 

Bless  God,  whose  praise  the  lay  demands  ! 
Recount  His  deeds  to  heathen  lands  : 
Oh,  let  His  acts  your  tongues  employ 
In  grateful  speech  and  hymns  of  joy. 

Come,  triumph  in  His  name  adored  ; 
Joy  to  their  heart  who  seek  the  Lord  ! 
Still  seek  His  saving  might  and  grace  ; 
Nor  rest  till  ye  behold  His  face. 

Think  on  the  wonders  He  has  wrought, 
The  judgments  pure  His  lips  have  taught, 
O  seed  of  Abraham's  honoured  line, 
O  heirs  of  Israel's  call  divine. 


THE    PSALTER.  199 

He  is  the  Lord,  our  only  God, 
On  earth  His  judgments  are  abroad  ; 
He  keeps  His  oath  of  old  revealed, 
His  pledge  to  thousand  ages  sealed : 

To  Abraham  given,  to  Isaac  sworn, 
In  ceaseless  faith  by  Israel  borne  ; 
"  In  Canaan's  fields  shalt  thou  be  heir, 
And  make  thy  peaceful  dwelling  there." 

Yet  few  were  they,  a  feeble  band. 
And  strangers  in  their  promised  land, 
From  realm  to  realm  content  to  roam, 
Each  alien  spot  awhile  their  home. 

But  all  their  way  he  guarded  round, 

And  checked  the  wrath  of  monarchs  crowned  ; 

"  From  mine  anointed  stay  thine  arm, 

Nor  do  my  holy  prophets  harm." 

He  called  to  famine  to  o'erspread 
The  land,  and  broke  the  staff  of  bread  ; 
But  first  a  just  deliverer  gave, 
The  bondman  Joseph,  sold  to  save. 

In  chains  he  lay ;  his  guiltless  heart 
Endured  the  iron's  servile  smart ; 
Till,  proved  of  God,  his  truth  was  known, 
And  justice  spoke  from  Pharaoh's  throne. 

Then  sent  the  king,  and  broke  the  band, 
Sent  the  high  monarch  of  the  land, 
xVnd  open  threw  the  prison  doors, 
And  made  him  lord  of  all  hi^  stores, 


200  THE    PSALTER. 

And  gave  him  o'er  his  house  the  sway, 
That  chiefs  might  hear  him  and  obey, 
And  elders  to  his  counsels  turn, 
And  senators  his  wisdom  learn. 

Then  Israel  came,  th'  Egyptian's  guest, 
And  Ham's  rich  plains  were  Jacob's  rest : 
God  made  His  fruitful  people  strong 
Beyond  their  tyrants'  maddening  throng. 

His  love  enraged  th'  oppressors'  heart ; 
They  watched  His  tribes  with  treacherous  art ; 
Then  Moses  at  His  call  arose, 
Then  Aaron,  His  pure  priest,  He  chose. 

Then  Ham's  dim  land  His  wonders  knew, 
While  darkness  o'er  their  coasts  He  threw, 
And  when  His  word  was  still  defied, 
He  rolled  in  blood  their  peopled  tide. 

Teemed  all  their  land  with  slimy  swarms, 
Teemed  regal  halls  with  loathsome  forms  : 
He  spoke,  and  flies  o'erspread  their  coasts, 
And  live/1  the  dust  in  noisome  hosts. 

He  gave  them  hail  for  dewy  rains, 
He  swept  with  flame  their  fertile  plains  ; 
The  vine,  the  fig,  His  tempests  tare, 
And  bowed  to  earth  their  branches  bare. 

Th'  unnumbered  worm  and  locust  preyed 
On  their  fair  gardens'  joyous  shade  ; 
And  last,  the  sword  of  vengeance  swept, 
And  Egypt  o'er  her  first-born  wept. 


TH  E    PSALTER.  201 

N"o  feeble  frame  their  tribes  enrolled, 
No  want  of  silver  there,  or  gold  ; 
And  joy  was  on  th'  Egyptian's  heart, 
When  he  beheld  their  train  depart. 

God  led  their  march  ;  his  cloud  by  day, 
His  fire  by  night,  o'erhung  their  way : 
They  asked  for  bread,  from  heaven  it  fell, 
And  in  the  desert  gushed  the  well. 

Such  wonders  shone  on  mortal  view, 
So  proved  the  Lord  His  promise  true  : 
On  Abraham,  on  His  word,  He  thought, 
And  forth  with  joy  His  chosen  brought. 

He  fixed  their  home  on  Gentile  soil ; 
They  reaped  the  fields  of  heathen  toil : 
Oh,  taught  so  well  to  love  His  ways, 
And  keep  His  word,  give  God  the  praise  ! 


PSALM  CVL 

Pkaise  ye  the  Lord !  with  grateful  lays 
His  love,  His  endless  mercy  praise  ! 
Who  can  express  thy  deeds  of  might, 
Or  tell  thy  glorious  reign  aright  ? 

How  blest  are  they,  and  only  they, 
Who  from  thy  judgments  never  stray  ! 
O  Lord,  on  me  in  mercy  shine, 
And  be  thy  people's  portion  mine. 


202  THE    PSALTER. 

When  thou  return'st  to  set  them  free, 
Let  thy  salvation  visit  me  ; 
That  I  may  see  thy  saints  rejoice, 
And  aid  their  triumph  with  my  voice. 

But  we  have  sinned  :  with  dread  accord 
Our  sires  and  we  have  mocked  the  Lord  : 
Our  sires  rebelled,  nor  longer  thought 
On  the  great  deeds  in  Egypt  wrought ; 

They  trespassed  by  the  Red  Sea's  wave, 
But  there  His  arm  was  nigh  to  save  ; 
He  saved  them  for  His  own  great  name, 
And  spread  afar  His  sovereign  fame. 

At  His  rebuke  the  waters  fled, 
And  on  His  marshalled  hosts  He  led, 
On  through  the  safely  arching  main, 
As  o'er  a  desert's  sandy  plain. 

Dark  o'er  their  foes  the  flood  came  down  ; 
Not  one  was  left,  nor  crest  nor  crown  : 
Then  high  the  song  of  triumph  soared. 
And  God's  true  word  His  tribes  adored. 

But  ah,  how  soon,  redeemed  from  harm, 
Their  hearts  forgot  His  rescuing  arm  ! 
They  asked  no  more  that  counsel  true, 
But  fierce  desire  to  madness  grew. 

They  cried  for  bread  with  rebel  haste ; 
Thankless,  they  murmured  in  the  waste  ; 
He  gave  them  all  their  lust  could  crave, 
But  lust's  own  plagues  in  vengeance  gave. 


THE    PSALTER.  2    3 

In  peaceful  tents  secure  they  lay, 
And  envied  Moses'  guardian  sway, 
And  envied  Aaron's  priestly  rod, 
And  dared  th'  avenging  stroke  of  God. 

Earth  opened,  and  the  guilty  died, 
Dathan,  Abiram's  men  of  pride  : 
A  fire  along  their  ranks  was  showered, 
And  flames  the  impious  band  devoured. 

At  Horeb's  mount  a  calf  they  made, 
And  to  the  molten  image  prayed ; 
And  planted  in  God's  glorious  seat, 
The  beast  that  grazes  at  our  feet. 

Forgotten  was  their  Saviour  strong 
Who  bare  them  safe  from  Egypt's  wrong, 
Who  showed  His  might  in  Ham's  dark  land, 
His  terrors  by  the  Red  Sea  strand. 

Then  said  the  Lord  His  awful  doom, 
To  sweep  them  to  their  common  tomb  : 
But  from  the  breach  His  prophet  spoke, 
And  stood,  and  turned  aside  the  stroke. 

They  scorned  the  land  of  fair  delight : 
They  would  not  trust  His  promised  might  : 
Within  their  tents  secure  they  lay, 
And  cast  their  God's  true  words  away. 

Then  reared  the  Lord  His  hand,  and  aware 
To  waste  their  rebel  armies  there  ; 
To  strew  them  on  the  desert  sands, 
And  drive  their  seed  to  distant  lauds. 


204  THE    PSALTER. 

They  bowed  to  Peor's  imaged  lord, 
And  ate  the  idol  feasts  abhorred ; 
Till,  tried  so  long,  His  wrath  awoke, 
And  forth  the  plague  of  judgment  broke. 

But  Phineas  rose,  with  vengeful  spear, 
And  smote  with  righteous  doom  severe, 
And  stayed  the  pest :  through  endless  days 
That  deed  most  just  shall  waft  his  praise. 

They  strove  beside  the  Fount  of  Strife, 
And  Moses  paid  for  them  his  life, 
Foi  then  their  guilt  his  spirit  stung, 
Till  rashly  spoke  his  erring  tongue. 

They  spared  the  race  whom  God  would  slay : 
They  learned  the  Pagan's  impious  way : 
At  idol  shrines  they  made  their  prayer, 
And  slumbered  in  the  heathen's  snare. 

To  Canaan's  demon  gods  they  bore 
Their  murdered  sons'  and  daughters'  gore  ; 
Blood,  guiltless  blood,  their  shores  profaned, 
Their  offspring's  blood  their  garments  stained. 

Their  works  of  guilt,  their  ways  of  guile, 
Estranged  the  Lord's  protecting  smile  ; 
Red  o'er  their  tribes  His  wrath  arose ; 
He  loathed  the  realm  which  once  He  chose. 

He  gave  them  to  the  heathen's  rod ; 
Stern  on  their  necks  th'  oppressors  trod  : 
And  fast  the  crushing  chain  was  riven, 
So  oft  they  sinned,  so  oft  forgiven. 


THE    PSALTER.  205 

For  still  they  chose  their  evil  will, 
And  through  their  pride  were  humbled  still ; 
But  when  He  saw  their  contrite  tears, 
He  heard  their  cry  with  pitying  ears. 

Then  all  His  covenant  sworn  returned, 
And  all  His  ancient  mercy  burned  ; 
And  e'en  within  their  foemen's  heart 
He  bade  the  streams  of  pity  start. 

Still  save  us,  Lord,  and  Israel's  bands 
Redeem  and  lead  from  heathen  lands  ; 
Thy  sovereign  name  in  songs  to  raise, 
And  triumph  in  thy  holy  praise. 

Let  Israel's  God  be  ever  bless'd  ; 
His  name  eternally  confess'd  ; 
Let  all  His  saints,  with  full  accord, 
Sing  loud  Amens  :  Praise  ye  the  Lord  ! 


psalm  cvn. 

Praise  the  Lord  ;  for  good  is  He, 
And  His  mercies,  ever  sure, 

Flowing  from  eternity, 
To  eternity  endure. 

Let  the  ransomed  thus  rejoice, 
Gleaned  afar  from  every  land, 

As  the  people  of  His  choice 

Won  from  the  oppressors'  hand ; 


206  THE    PSALTER. 

Brought  from  Eastern  empires  forth, 
From  the  far-off  Western  main, 

From  the  cold  climes  of  the  North, 
From  the  Southern  sunbeams'  reign. 

In  the  wilderness  astray, 

Hither,  thither,  while  they  roam, 

Hungering,  fainting  by  the  way, 
Far  from  shelter  and  from  home ; 

Then  He  hears  the  pilgrims'  cry, 
Bears  them  from  their  weary  woes, 

Leads  them  by  a  pathway  nigh, 
To  a  city  of  repose. 

Oh,  that  men  would  praise  the  Lord, 
For  His  goodness  to  their  race, 

For  the  wonders  of  His  word, 
And  the  riches  of  His  grace  ! 

For  the  hungering  wanderers'  moan 
He  has  stilled  with  plenteous  food  ; 

And  the  spirit  grieved  and  lone 
He  has  satisfied  with  good. 

Sad  they  sit  in  dungeon  gloom, 

Bound  with  sorrows  and  with  chains, 

Mid  the  shadow  of  the  tomb, 

Where  perpetual  darkness  reigns. 

For  they  spurned  the  Lord's  control, 
Spurned  His  counsel  true  and  just ; 

Therefore  He  subdued  their  soul, 
Bowed  and  helpless  to  the  dust. 


THE    P  SALTER.  20  \ 

Then  He  hears  the  captives'  cry, 

Bears  them  from  their  fettering  woes. 

Bids  the  midnight  darkness  fly, 
And  the  fast  locked  chains  unclose. 

Oh,  that  men  would  praise  the  Lord, 
For  His  goodness  to  their  race, 

For  the  wonders  of  His  word, 
And  the  riches  of  His  grace  ! 

For  He  lengthens  out  their  breath, 
Breaks  in  twain  the  gates  of  brass  : 

From  the  bands  and  bars  of  death 
Forth  to  liberty  they  pass. 

Fools  for  their  transgression  groan  : 
Loathes  their  soul  its  daily  bread, 

Sick  by  sin.  they  pine  alone, 

Near  the  threshold  dark  they  tread. 

Then  He  hears  the  sinners'  cry. 

Bears  them  from  their  deadly  woes  : 

Sends  His  message  from  the  sky, 
Health  and  succour  strong  bestows. 

Oh,  that  men  would  praise  the  Lord 
For  His  goodness  to  their  race, 

For  the  wonders  of  His  word, 
And  the  riches  of  His  grace  ! 

Let  them  their  thank-offerings  bring, 

Sacrifice  of  heart  and  voice, 
And  His  works  of  glory  sing  ; 

And  in  His  pure  praise  rejoice ! 


208  THE    PSALTER. 

They  that  toil  upon  the  deep, 
And  in  vessels  light  and  frail, 

O'er  the  mighty  water  sweep 
With  the  billow  and  the  gale ; 

They  behold  the  Lord's  high  hand, 
Wonder  at  His  ocean  deeds, 

When,  let  loose  at  His  command, 
Far  the  howling  tempest  speeds. 

Up  to  heaven  their  bark  is  whirled 
On  the  mountain  of  the  wave  ; 

In  a  moment  downward  hurled 
To  th'  abysses  of  the  grave. 

Fears  o'er  all  their  members  steal, 
All  their  melting  powers  decline, 

On  the  reeling  deck  they  reel 
E'en  as  men  o'ercome  with  wine. 

Then  He  hears  the  voyagers'  cry, 

Bears  them  from  their  dreaded  woes ; 

O'er  the  quiet  waves  they  spy 
Glad  the  haven  of  repose. 

Oh,  that  men  would  praise  the  Lord 
For  His  goodness  to  their  race, 

For  the  wonders  of  His  word, 
And  the  riches  of  His  grace  ! 

Let  the  elders  praise  the  Lord, 
Him  let  all  the  people  praise, 

When  they  meet  with  one  accord 
In  His  courts  on  holy  days  ! 


THE    PSALTER.  209 

Waters  He  o'erwhelms  with  sand, 
Streams  He  makes  a  desert  bare, 

Wastes  with  drought  a  pleasant  land, 
For  the  guilt  whose  home  is  there. 

Sands  He  makes  a  lovely  lake. 

Deserts  bare  o'erflows  with  springs  ; 

There,  his  blithe  abode  to  take, 
Many  a  famished  exile  brings. 

There  they  dwell  once  more  in  peace, 
Sow  and  plant  and  reap  the  ground., 

While  their  stately  herds  increase, 
And  their  corn  and  wine  abound. 

Yet  again,  in  woe  and  need, 
Droop  the  helpless,  and  decay  : 

Clothed  with  scorn,  a  royal  seed 

Through  the  pathless  wild  must  stray  ; 

While  above  a  thousand  ills, 

Lifts  the  Lord  the  righteous  poor ; 

And  as  flocks  on  many  hills 

Spread  their  households  all  secure. 

Then  the  just  rejoicing  gaze  ; 

Guilt  shall  ope  its  lips  no  more  : 
But  the  wise  shall  mark  His  ways, 

And  the  Lord's  dear  love  adore. 
14 


210  THE    PSALTER. 


PSALM  CVIII. 


0  God,  my  heart  is  fixed  and  bent 
Its  thankful  tribute  to  present ; 

And  with  my  heart,  my  voice  I'll  raise 
To  thee,  my  God,  in  songs  of  praise. 

Awake,  my  glory ;  harp  and  lute, 
No  longer  let  your  strings  be  mute  ; 
And  I  my  tuneful  part  to  take 
Will  with  the  early  dawn  awake. 

Thy  praises,  Lord,  I  will  resound 
To  all  the  listening  nations  round  ; 
Thy  mercy  highest  heaven  transcends, 
Thy  truth  beyond  the  clouds  extends. 

Be  thou,  O  God,  exalted  high, 
And  as  thy  glory  fills  the  sky, 
So  let  it  be  on  earth  displayed, 
Till  thou  art  here  as  there  obeyed. 

Let  all  the  world  thy  succour  see  ; 
And  stretch  thy  saving  arm  to  me ; 
That  thy  belov'd  in  peace  may  stand, 
Protected  by  thy  kind  right  hand. 

And  hark,  the  Lord  lifts  high  His  voice ; 
And  in  His  word  my  ears  rejoice  ; 

1  haste  old  Shechem's  heights  to  scale, 
And  stretch  my  line  o'er  Succoth's  vale. 


THE    PSALTER.  211 

And  mine  are  Gilead's  grassy  hills, 
And  mine  the  fields  Manasseh  tills  ; 
My  helmet's  strength  are  Ephraim's  bands  ; 
My  sceptre  rests  in  Judah's  hands. 

In  Moab's  streams  my  feet  I  lave, 
And  east  my  shoe  to  Edom's  slave  ; 
And  o'er  Philistia  lift  on  high, 
Conqueror  and  lord,  my  joyous  cry. 

But  "who  shall  lead  our  trembling  powers, 
And  bring  to  Edom's  battled  towers  ? 
And  hast  thou  cast  us,  Lord,  away, 
And  lead'st  thou  never  our  array  ? 

Oh,  give  us  help  from  all  we  fear, 
For  man's  poor  help  in  vain  were  near ; 
We  march  with  God's  victorious  might, 
And  He  shall  crush  our  foes  in  flight. 


PSALM  CIX. 

God  of  my  praise,  oh,  be  not  silent  now ; 
False  impious  lips  my  swift  destruction  vow, 
Against  my  fame  their  faithless  tale  resound, 
And  hem  my  path  with  words  of  hatred  round. 

In  causeless  war  they  spread   the   murderous 

snare  ; 
By  many  a  curse  give  back  a  brother's  prayer  ; 
With  ill  on  ill  my  purpose  kind  repel ; 
And  hate  the  heart  that  loved  them  once  so  well. 


212  THE    PSALTER. 

Place  thou  a  tyrant  o'er  his  falling  race  ; 
At  his  right  hand  a  fierce  accuser  place  ; 
Condemn  his  cause  in  judgment's  awful  time, 
And  let  his  prayer  but  swell  his  load  of  crime. 

Few  be  his  days,  and  soon  his  sentence  sealed, 
And  let  another's  hand  his  office  wield ; 
Let  his  lone  spouse  forsake  his  wasted  home, 
And  far  for  bread  his  helpless  offspring  roam. 

Let  strangers  spoil  his  wealth,  and  none  so  dear 
To  give  his  children's  woes  a  kindly  tear ; 
Destroy  their  name  from  each  familiar  spot, 
And  let  a  few  brief  years  their  history  blot. 

Still  let  his  father's  sins  before  thee  lie, 
Still  on  his  mother's  guilt  be  fixed  thine  eye, 
Nor  let  the  tale  of  crime  thy  memory  shun, 
Till  all  their  record  cease  beneath  the  sun. 

For  in  his  prosperous  pride  he  would  not  heed 
Sweet  mercy's  voice,  nor  love's  benignant  deed ; 
But  towards  the  man   of  sorrows    aimed   his 
stroke,  [hadst  broke. 

And  crushed  to  earth   the  hearts  which  thou 

He  loved  the  curse  ;  on  him  the  curse  shall  be  : 
He  chose  not  blessing  ;  blessing  far  shall  flee  : 
As  round  him  curses  like  a  cloak  he  drew, 
So   let   them    pierce   his   heart   and    members 
through. 

Within,  like  searching  oil  or  waters  cold, 
Without,  a  mantle's  all-embracing  fold, 


THE    PSALTER.  213 

A  constant  girdle  girded  to  his  breast, 

The  Lord's  dread  curse  with  mine  accuser  rest. 

O  Lord  my  God,  in  thy  dear  love  be  near  ; 
With  thy  great  name  to  save  my  cause  appear ; 
Wretched  and  poor,  and  ready  to  depart, 
Before  thy  throne  I  bow  my  broken  heart. 

Brief  as  the  evening  shadow  on  the  plain, 
Chased,  as  the  locust  from  the  ripening  grain, 
With  failing  knees  and  fainting  flesh  I  tread, 
And  foes  look  on,  and  shake  the  scornful  head. 

Save  me,  O  Lord  my  God,  in  mercy  save, 
And  let  them  see  what  arm  salvation  gave, 
And  in  thy  deeds  the  sovereign  Lord  confess  ; 
So  let  them  curse  me,  Lord,  if  thou  but  bless. 

Oli !  when  they  rise,  bring  down  their  pride  to 

dust, 
And  let  thy  servant  glory  in  his  trust ; 
And  let  their  towering  heads  with  shame  be 

crowned, 
And   shame   for   robes   of  beauty   wrap    them 

round. 

My  mouth  shall  praise  the  Lord  in  lofty  songs  ; 
Yes,  I  will  praise  Him  mid  adoring  throngs  ; 
For  on  the  poor's  right  hand  He  stands  to  free 
The  guiltless  victim  from  the  unjust  decree. 


214  THE    r  SALTER. 


PSALM  CX. 

The  Lord  unto  my  Lord  thus  spake, 
"  Till  I  thy  foes  thy  footstool  make, 

Sit  thou  in  state  at  my  right  hand  ; 
Supreme  in  Sion  thou  shalt  be, 
And  all  thy  proud  oppressors  see 

Subjected  to  thy  just  command. 

"  Thee  in  thy  power's  triumphant  day 
The  willing  nations  shall  obey  : 

And  when  thy  rising  beams  they  view, 
Shall  all,  redeemed  from  error's  night, 
Appear  as  numberless  and  bright 

As  crystal  drops  of  morning  dew." 

The  Lord  has  sworn,  nor  sworn  in  vain, 
That,  like  Melchisedek's,  thy  reign 

And  priesthood  shall  no  period  know  : 
No  proud  competitor  to  sit 
At  thy  right  hand  will  Lie  permit, 

But  in  His  wrath  e'en  kings  o'erthrow. 

He  rules  amidst  his  heathen  foes, 
O'er  heaps  of  slain  to  victory  goes, 

And  smites  the  lords  of  empires  down  : 
But  in  the  highway  brook  at  first, 
Like  a  poor  pilgrim,  slakes  his  thirst, 

Then  lifts  his  head,  and  wears  his  crown. 


THE    PSALTER.  215 


PSAXM  CXI. 


•Praise  ye  the  Lord  :  our  God  to  praise 
My  soul  her  utmost  powers  shall  raise  : 
With  private  friends,  and  in  the  throng 
Of  saints,  His  praise  shall  be  my  song. 

His  works  for  majesty  renowned, 
His  wondrous  works  are  always  found 
By  all  true  hearts,  that  love  the  sight, 
And  search  with  ever  new  delight. 

His  works  are  all  of  matchless  fame. 
And  universal  glory  claim  : 
His  truth,  confirmed  through  ages  past, 
Shall  to  eternal  ages  last. 

The  Lord  is  good  ;  His  deeds  of  grace 
Shall  sweet  remembrance  joy  to  trace  : 
His  bounty,  like  a  flowing  tide, 
Has  all  His  servants'  need  supplied. 

His  covenant's  truth  shall  still  be  told, 
As  in  the  glorious  days  of  old, 
When  to  the  tribes  His  power  was  known, 
That  made  the  heathen  homes  their  own. 

Just  are  the  dealings  of  His  hands  : 
Immutable  are  His  commands: 
They,  while  the  ages  downward  glide, 
Like  pillars  of  the  earth  abide. 


216  THE    PSALTER. 

He  sent  redemption  to  the  slave, 
And  then  His  gracious  covenant  gave, 
To  stand  through  endless  days  the  same : 
Holy  and  reverend  is  His  name. 

Who  wisdom's  sacred  prize  would  win 
Must  with  the  fear  of  God  begin  : 
Immortal  praise  and  heavenly  skill 
Have  they  who  know  and  do  His  will. 


PSALM  CXII. 

Praise  ye  the  Lord  ;  and  happy  he 
Who  fears  and  loves  the  Lord's  decree  : 
His  seed  on  earth  shall  dwell  at  rest, 
Strong,  and  renowned,  and  just  and  blest. 

The  streams  of  wealth  his  home  shall  fill ; 
Unchanged  shall  smile  His  righteous  will ; 
While  e'en  in  sorrow's  gloomiest  night 
On  him  shall  dawn  a  beam  of  light. 

His  heart  at  mercy's  summons  bends  ; 
Righteous  and  kind,  he  gives  and  lends : 
And  while  his  lips  by  truth  are  swayed, 
His  love  with  answering  love  is  paid. 

Beset  with  threatening  dangers  round, 
Unmoved  shall  he  maintain  his  ground  : 
The  sweet  remembrance  of  the  just 
Shall  flourish  when  he  sleeps  in  dust. 


THE    PSALTER.  21 

111  tidings  never  can  surprise 
His  heart  that  fixed  on  God  relies ; 
On  safety's  rock  he  sits  and  sees 
The  shipwreck  of  his  enemies. 

His  hands,  while  they  his  alms  bestowed, 
His  glory's  future  harvest  sowed  ; 
Thence  shall  he  reap  his  best  renown, 
An  earthly  and  an  endless  crown. 

The  bad  his  bliss  from  far  descry, 
While  their  own  visions  fade  and  die  ; 
And,  frustrate  of  their  threat'ned  prey, 
They  gnash  their  teeth,  and  melt  away. 


PSALM  CXIII. 

Hallelujah  !     Praise  the  Lord  ! 
Praise  Him  with  a  glad  accord  ; 
Praise  the  ever-glorious  name, 
From  eternity  the  same. 

Where  the  morning  sunbeams  glow ; 
Where  they  sink,  the  sea  below ; 
Servants  of  the  Lord,  upraise 
To  His  name  your  songs  of  praise  ! 

Far  above  the  earth  and  sky 
Reigns  the  sovereign  Lord  on  high  ; 
Sways  the  nations  with  His  rod  : 
Who  is  like  the  Lord  our  God  ? 


218  THE    PSALTER. 

But  He  bows  to  see  in  love 
Earth  below  and  heaven  above  ; 
Lifting  sorrow  from  the  dust, 
Lifting  high  the  humble  just. 

Such  He  bids  with  nobles  stand, 
With  the  princes  of  their  land  ; 
Bids  the  barren  mother's  hearth 
Ring  with  childhood's  song  of  mirth. 

Hallelujah  ! 

PSALM  CXIV. 

When  forth  from  Egypt's  trembling  strand 

The  tribes  of  Israel  sped, 
And  Jacob  in  the  stranger's  land 

Departing  banners  spread : 

Then  One  amidst  their  thick  array 

His  kingly  dwelling  made, 
Who  all  along  the  desert  way 

Their  guiding  sceptre  swayed. 

The  sea  beheld,  and,  smit  with  dread, 

Rolled  all  its  billows  back  : 
And  Jordan  through  his  deepest  bed 

Revealed  their  destined  track. 

Like  startled  rams  that  head  the  flock, 
The  ancient  mountains  reeled  : 

Shook  the  proud  hills  their  crests  of  rock, 
Like  lambs  along-*  the  field. 


THE    PSALTER.  219 

What  ailed  thee,  O  thou  mighty  sea, 
And  rolled  thy  waves  in  dread  ? 

What  made  thy  tide,  O  Jordan,  flee, 
And  bare  its  deepest  bed  ? 

Why  reeled  the  mountains  with  dismay 
Like  rams  that  head  the  flock  ? 

Wrhy  shook  the  hills,  like  lambs  at  play, 
Their  ancient  crests  of  rock  ? 

O  earth,  before  the  Lord,  the  God 

Of  Jacob,  tremble  still ; 
Who  makes  the  waste  a  watered  sod, 

The  flint  a  gushing  rill. 


PSALM  CXV. 

Oh,  not  to  us,  to  mortal  dust, 

Is  praise  or  glory  due, 
But  to  thy  name  be  honours  just, 

Lord,  merciful  and  true  ! 

Yv"hy  should  the  heathen  scorners  cry, 
"  Where  hides  their  God  so  still  ?" 

Our  God  is  in  the  heavens  on  high, 
And  all  things  do  His  will. 

Their  idol  gods  are  gods  of  gold, 

Or  silver  fashioned  fair  : 
MaD  gave  them  silent  lips  and  cold, 

That  mock  their  votary's  prayer  : 


220  THE    PSALTER. 

Man  gave  them  eyes  that  naught  can  view ; 

And  ears  that  naught  can  hear  ; 
And  hands  that  no  kind  deed  can  do, 

And  feet  that  draw  not  near  ; 

A  nostril  gave  that  naught  can  smell, 

A  throat  that  naught  can  say  ; 
And  those  who  trust  them  still  so  well 

Are  senseless  e'en  as  they. 

O  Israel,  trust  the  Lord  your  Shield  ; 

O  house  of  Aaron  just, 
The  Lord  your  Shield  your  strength  shall  yield ; 

In  His  deliverance  trust ! 

Ye  that  with  God's  pure  fear  arc  sealed, 

Trust  ye  the  Lord  most  true  : 
The  Lord  your  Shield  strong  help  shall  wield 

And  every  foe  subdue. 

The  Lord  shall  give  our  hands  success, 

And  think  on  Israel's  race  : 
His  love  shall  bless  their  house,  and  bless 

The  heirs  of  Aaron's  grace  : 

Shall  all  that  fear  Him  bless,  nor  cease 

O'er  small  and  great  to  bend  : 
On  you  and  yours,  with  large  increase, 

All  blessing  shall  descend. 

He  made  the  heavens'  resplendent  height, 

He  gave  the  earth  its  span  : 
In  heaven  He  fixed  His  dwelling  bright, 

And  earth  he  gave  to  man. 


THE    PSALTER.  221 

Not  from  the  grave's  still  land  shall  songs 

Thy  glorious  praise  record  ; 
But  while  His  might  our  life  prolougs, 

Forever  bless  the  Lord ! 

Hallelujah. 

PSALM  CXVL 

I  love  the  Lord  :  with  thoughts  most  dear 

My  soul  is  all  possessed, 
Because  the  Lord  vouchsafed  to  hear 

The  voice  of  my  request. 

Since  He  has  now  His  ear  inclined, 

I  never  will  despair, 
But  still  in  Him  my  refuge  find, 

To  Him  address  my  prayer. 

With  deadly  sorrows  compassed  round, 

With  pains  of  hell  oppressed, 
When  trouble  and  deep  grief  I  found, 

And  anguish  racked  my  breast, 

To  God's  almighty  name  arose 

My  cry  for  rescuing  aid  ; 
"  Lord,  save  my  soul,  by  woes  on  woes 

O'ermastered  and  dismayed !" 

Good  is  the  Lord  and  ever  just : 

The  Lord  our  God  is  kind  : 
And  He  that  raised  me  from  the  dust, 

Still  loves  the  lowly  mind. 


222  THE    PSALTER. 

Then,  O  my  soul,  from  sadness  free, 
Resume  thy  wonted  rest ; 

For  God  has  wondrously  to  thee 
His  bounteous  love  expressed. 

When  death  alarmed  me,  he  repelled 
My  dangers  and  my  fears  : 

My  feet  from  falling  He  withheld, 
And  dried  my  eyes  from  tears. 

Therefore  my  life's  remaining  days 
Which  God  to  me  shall  lend, 

Will  I  in  His  dear  work  and  praise 
With  happy  service  spend. 

In  God  I  trusted,  though  afraid  ; 

From  Him  my  boast  I  brought ; 
For  mid  my  flight  in  haste  I  said, 

"  Men  all  are  false  and  naught." 

What  grateful  offering  shall  I  bring, 
WThat  rich  memorial  raise, 

To  tell  the  blessings  of  my  King, 
Poured  out  on  all  my  ways  ? 

I  take  the  chalice  rich  and  deep, 
And  name  the  saving  name  ; 

My  vows  amidst  His  people  keep, 
And  all  His  love  proclaim. 

Oh,  precious  in  His  pitying  eye 
His  saints'  expiring  breath  ; 

And  dear,  too  dear  for  earth  to  buy, 
The  purchase  of  their  death. 


THE    PSALTER.  223 

And  now,  O  Lord,  from  bondage  freed, 

I  to  thy  sceptre  bow  ; 
Before,  thy  humble  handmaid's  seed, 

Thy  ransomed  captive  now. 

To  thee  I  bring  my  grateful  la}', 

And  name  the  saving  name  ; 
3Iy  vows  amidst  thy  people  pay, 

And  all  thy  love  proclaim  ; 

In  courts  that  form  the  diadem 
Round  God's  most  holy  place  ; 

Within  thy  gates,  Jerusalem  ! 
Praise  ye  the  God  of  grace  ! 


PSALM  CXVIL 

Praise  ye  the  Lord  !     Let  all  the  earth 
To  heaven  their  voices  raise  : 

And  let  all  realms  with  godly  mirth 
Sing  glorious  hymns  of  praise. 

God's  tender  mercy  knows  no  bound  ; 

His  truth  shall  ne'er  decay  : 
Praise  ye  the  Lord,  who  folds  us  round 

Though  all  things  pass  away. 


224  THE    PSALTER. 


PSALM  CXVIII. 

Bless  the  Lord  ;  for  He  is  kind, 

And  eternal  is  His  love  ! 
Oh,  let  Israel  hold  in  mind, 

That  eternal  is  His  love  ! 
Let  the  house  of  Aaron  cry, 

That  eternal  is  His  love  ! 
Let  His  worshippers  reply, 

That  eternal  is  His  love  ! 

On  the  Lord's  almighty  name 

In  my  deep  distress  I  cried  : 
He  to  my  deliverance  came, 

He  my  prison  opened  wide  : 
He  is  with  my  guardian  bands  : 

How  shall  man  my  soul  appal  ? 
He  mid  my  defenders  stands  ; 

I  shall  see  my  foemen's  fall. 

Better  to  the  Lord  to  cling 

Than  to  hope  in  mortal  dust : 
Better  own  the  Lord  our  King 

Than  in  earthly  crowns  to  trust. 
Round  and  round  their  armies  came, 

Pressed  me  in  on  every  side  ; 
But  in  God's  victorious  name 

I  their  armies  scattered  wide. 


THE    PSALTER.  095 

On,  like  swarming  bees,  they  eame, 

But  like  blazing  thorns  they  passed  ; 
For  in  God's  victorious  name 

Forth  I  swept  them  to  the  blast. 
Fierce  and  deadly  was  thy  stroke, 

O  thou  unrelenting  arm  ; 
But  the  Lord's  strong  buckler  broke 

Every  blow  that  meant  me  harm. 

God,  my  Saviour  and  my  trust, 

Shall  be  still  my  strength  and  song  : 
And  the  dwellings  of  the  just 

Shall  the  voice  of  joy  prolong  : 
God's  right  hand  does  wondrous  deeds  ; 

God's  right  hand  is  lifted  high ; 
God's  right  hand  to  victory  leads, 

And  I  am  not  doomed  to  die. 

I  will  speak  the  might  of  God, 

While  he  lengthens  out  my  breath  ; 
For  He  sent  the  chastening  rod, 

But  he  stayed  the  sword  of  death. 
Open  wide  the  sacred  gates, 

Where  the  Lord  vouchsafes  to  dwell ! 
There  the  just  assembly  waits, 

There  His  praises  I  shall  tell. 

Thee,  O  Lord,  my  soul  shall  bless ; 

Thou  didst  my  request  allow  : 
Thee  my  Saviour  I  confess  ; 

Author  of  my  health  art  thou. 
15 


22^  THE    PSALTER. 

Lo,  the  stone  which  once  aside 

By*  the  builders'  hands  was  thrown  ; 

See  it  now  the  building's  pride, 
See  it  now  the  corner-stone  ! 

Lo,  the  work  which  God  has  laid, 

Strange  and  wondrous  in  our  eyes  ! 
Lo,  the  day  which  God  has  made  ! 

Let  the  voice  of  gladness  rise  ! 
Save,  Hosanna  !  Lord,  we  pray  ; 

Save,  Hosanna !  save  and  bless  ; 
Lord,  thy  glorious  power  display, 

Give  us  swift  and  rich  success. 

From  the  Lord's  own  temple's  ground 

Raise  we  now  the  glad  acclaim  : 
"  Bless'd  be  he  who,  conquest-crowned, 

Comes  in  God's  most  holy  name  !" 
Now  the  light  of  God  our  Lord 

Radiant  on  our  path  has  shined  : 
Bind  the  sacrifice  with  cord, 

To  the  blood-stained  altar  bind. 

Thou  art  evermore  my  God  ; 

I  will  praise  thee  evermore  ; 
Thou  art  evermore  my  God  ; 

I  will  all  thy  love  adore  : 
Ever  from  a  grateful  mind 

Shall  my  song  be  borne  above ; 
Bless  the  Lord,  for  he  is  kind, 

And  eternal  is  His  love. 


THE    PSALTER.  227 

PSALM  0X1X. 


How  blest  are  they  who  always  tread 

The  pure  and  perfect  way ! 
Whose  feet,  by  God's  commandment  led, 

Can  never  go  astray  ! 

How  blest  are  they  whose  steadfast  heart 

Still  seeks  the  living  Lord, 
Nor  from  His  paths  will  e'er  depart, 

Nor  choose  the  deed  abhorr'd  ! 

As  thou  our  souls  hast  charged  and  bound 

Thy  precepts  to  fulfil, 
So,  would  that  all  my  steps  were  found 

Where  points  thy  holy  will ! 

Then  unashamed,  an  upright  praise 

My  soul  shall  lift  to  thee, 
When  all  thy  laws,  in  all  my  ways, 

My  changeless  rule  shall  be. 

With  holy  joy  my  breast  shall  swell, 

When  none  shall  be  forgot : 
I  love  thy  blest  commandments  well : 

O  Lord,  forsake  me  not ! 

ii. 

How  shall  the  young  man  keep  his  youth 
From  all  pollution  pure  ? 


228  THE    PSALTER. 

By  following  still  thy  word  of  truth 
With  steadfast  eye  and  sure. 

One  dearest  wish  my  bosom  feels, 
From  thee  to  stray  no  more ; 

One  richest  gain  my  heart  conceals, 
Thy  word's  exhaustless  store. 

Bless'd  is  thy  name,  O  Lord  my  God  ! 

To  me  thy  laws  unfold  : 
My  lips  delight  to  tell  abroad 

Whate'er  thy  lips  have  told. 

Beyond  all  wealth  of  golden  mines 

Thy  precepts  are  my  joy  : 
The  way  where  thy  commandment  shines 

Shall  all  my  care  employ. 

Of  them  I  speak,  to  them  I  look, 
There  these  glad  eyes  are  set : 

The  sacred  statutes  of  thy  book 
I  never  can  forget. 

in. 

O  bounteous  Lord,  thy  servant  bless, 

Thine  own  requital  give, 
That,  glowing  with  true  happiness, 

My  soul  may  hear  and  live. 

Grant  me  to  view  with  eyes  unsealed, 
While  here  on  earth  I  roam, 

The  wonders  by  thy  law  revealed, 
To  guide  the  pilgrim  home. 


THE    PSALTER.  220 


My  heart  is  ravished  with  desire, 

And  finds  no  other  rest, 
"While  to  thy  judgments  I  aspire, 

And  seek  to  please  thee  best. 

Curs'd  is  the  bold  transgressor's  path, 

But  I  thy  laws  have  kept : 
Oh,  turn  from  me  the  shame  and  wrath 

That  o'er  the  proud  have  swept. 

Though  mighty  princes  were  my  foes, 

And  sat,  denouncing  ill, 
Thy  precious  laws  for  guides  I  chose, 

And  praised  thee,  and  was  still. 


My  spirit  lingers  in  the  dust ; 

Thy  Spirit  upward  draws  ! 
Revive  me,  for  thy  word  I  trust ; 

And  teach  me  all  thy  laws. 

I  follow  !     O  my  gracious  Guide, 

Let  every  step  be  plain  : 
So  shall  I  waft  thy  praises  wide 

In  my  enraptured  strain. 

But  see,  my  soul  within  me  dies, 
Press'd  down  with  care  and  grief: 

Oh,  let  thy  word's  sweet  beams  arise, 
To  yield  me  blest  relief. 

Far,  far  from  me  be  all  false  ways 
And  treacherous  arts  removed  ; 


230  THE    PSALTER. 

And  let  me  love  that  path  of  praise 
Which  thou  hast  still  approved. 

There  I  have  clung,  and  there  would  cling : 
Lord,  spurn  me  not  from  thee  ! 

My  heart  shall  speed  on  soaring  wing, 
When  thou  hast  set  me  free. 

v. 

Teach  me,  O  Lord,  thy  righteous  way, 

That  I  may  ne'er  depart : 
Teach  me  thy  statutes  to  obey 

With  whole  and  upright  heart. 

There  let  me  walk  where  rests  thy  choice, 

Where  all  thy  truth  is  told  ; 
And  let  me  more  in  thee  rejoice, 

Than  e'er  in  hoards  of  gold. 

Oh,  turn  again  my  wandering  eyes, 

By  folly  far  misled  ; 
And  give  me  strength  toward  thee  to  rise 

With  fixed  and  cheerful  tread. 

Firm  in  my  breast  thy  precepts  plant, 
And  shine  with  radiance  clear ; 

And  let  the  scorner's  impious  taunt 
Instil  no  baser  fear. 

Lo,  how  I  love  thy  judgments  just ! 

Lo,  how  for  each  I  long ! 
Oh,  warm  with  life  my  sinful  dust, 

And  make  my  virtue  strong. 


THE    PSALTER.  231 

VI. 

Thy  constant  blessing,  Lord,  bestow, 

Thy  saving  succour  yield ; 
As  in  thy  word  of  old  I  know 

The  sacred  promise  sealed. 

So  shall  I,  when  my  foes  upbraid, 

This  ready  answer  make : 
"  In  God  I  trust,  whose  faithful  aid 

Its  pledge  will  never  break." 

Still  be  thy  word,  which  cannot  change, 

To  me  forever  dear  ; 
And  free  and  glad  my  step  may  range 

In  hope  and  holy  fear. 

Dauntless  and  not  ashamed  I  stand 
Where  monarchs  hold  their  seat : 

I  witness  to  thy  dread  command, 
And  speak  thy  precepts  sweet. 

Thy  law  is  folded  in  my  arms ; 

My  thoughts  have  there  repose ; 
And,  musing  on  its  sacred  charms, 

My  heart  with  love  o'eiflows. 

VII. 

According  to  thy  promised  grace, 

Thy  servant's  succour  send  ; 
And  give  me  in  remembrance  place, 

Who  on  thy  word  depend. 


232  THE    PSALTER. 

Deep  comfort  thence  my  soul  sustains 
Though  darkening  woes  he  near  ; 

And  life  and  joy  run  through  my  veins, 
When  once  thy  voice  I  hear. 

Mid  the  fierce  scorn  of  proud  men  bold, 
Ne'er  from  thy  laws  I  turned  : 

I  thought  on  thy  great  deeds  of  old, 
And  heavenly  solace  learned. 

I  shudder  for  the  souls  that  roam 

In  paths  of  fearful  wrong  ; 
But  in  my  own  lone  pilgrim  home 

Thy  precepts  are  my  song. 

Thoughts  of  thy  name  mid  silent  night 
Have  hovered  where  I  slept ; 

And  this  was  still  my  Lest  delight, 
That  I  thy  covenant  kept. 

VIII. 

My  soul's  sure  hope  and  chosen  part, 

0  Lord  my  God,  art  thou  ! 

Before  thy  throne,  with  prostrate  heart, 

1  make  my  prayer  and  vow. 

Have  mercy,  as  thy  word  is  true  ; 

For  still,  thy  ways  to  tread, 
With  vigorous  step  and  eager  view, 

My  cheerful  soul  has  sped. 

Amidst  the  rage  of  murderous  bands 
That  round  my  pathway  hung, 


THE    PSALTER.  233 

To  thy  just  sway  and  pure  commands 
My  glad  remembrance  clung. 

At  midnight,  from  my  couch  shall  soar 

The  solemn  voice  of  praise  ; 
And  sleep  shall  flee  while  I  adore 

Thy  righteous  words  and  ways. 

The  friend  am  I  of  all  who  hold 

Most  dear  thy  sacred  cause  ; 
Thy  mercies,  Lord,  all  earth  enfold : 

Oh,  teach  me  thou  thy  laws. 

IX. 

As  thou  hast  proved  thy  servant's  stay 
With  promised  kindness  true, 

So  still  thy  light  and  skill  display 
To  my  believing  view. 

I  wandered  far  in  thoughtless  days, 

Ere  yet  thy  chastenings  fell : 
But  now  I  keep  thy  sacred  ways, 

And  love  thy  statutes  well. 

Oh,  ever  gracious,  ever  good, 

Lord,  teach  me  all  thy  laws ! 
While,  by  the  proud  and  false  pursued, 

I  clasp  thy  precious  cause. 

Heavy  and  gross,  their  heart  has  swelled 

With  dreams  of  fleshly  ease  ; 
But  I  thy  covenant  fast  have  held, 

And  joyed  in  thy  decrees. 


234  THE    PSALTER. 

It  was  but  good  that,  brought  to  weep, 

I  learned  thy  law  to  fear, 
Than  gold  or  silver,  heap  on  heap, 

Ten  thousand  times  more  dear. 


x. 

To  me,  whose  frame  and  spirit  live 

By  thine  almighty  hands, 
The  heavenly  understanding  give 

To  learn  thy  just  commands. 

So  they  that  fear  thy  holy  name 

With  joy  my  joy  shall  see  ; 
Since  through  thy  word  my  faith  o'ercame, 

And  they  believed  like  me. 

I  know,  Lord,  that  thy  ways  are  right, 
Thy  chastening  stroke  most  kind  ; 

Then,  in  thy  word,  my  soufs  delight, 
Sweet  comfort  let  me  find. 

Let  thy  rich  mercies  give  me  life, 

While  o'er  thy  laws  I  bend  ; 
But  on  the  boasters'  treacherous  strife 

All  wild  confusion  send. 

Be  those  my  close  companions  found, 

Who  know  thee  and  adore  ; 
And  in  thy  statutes  firm  and  sound, 

No  shame  shall  reach  me  more. 


THE    PSALTER.  235 


XI. 

For  thy  salvation,  Lord,  I  pine  ; 

Thy  word  my  hope  supplies  : 
"  Oh,  when  shall  comfort  yet  be  mine  ?" 

I  ask  with  drooping  eyes. 

As  in  the  smoke  the  shrivelled  flask, 
My  heart  is  parched  and  dried  ; 

Yet  only  for  the  light  I  ask 
Of  thy  commandments  tried. 

How  many  are  thy  servant's  days  ? 

When  shall  their  sorrows  close  ? 
When  shall  thy  righteous  vengeance  blaze 

Against  my  ruthless  foes  ? 

In  bitter  scorn  of  all  thy  laws, 
They  spread  the  pit  and  snare  : 

Oh,  for  my  wronged  and  trembling  cause 
Thy  succour  swift  prepare. 

Almost  from  earth  to  nun  swept, 

I  have  not  left  thy  will : 
Oh,  let  the  laws  my  heart  has  kept 

Give  life  to  keep  them  still. 

XII. 

Forever  and  forever,  Lord, 

Thy  mighty  word  remains  : 
All  ages  shall  thy  truth  record, 

Which  heaven  and  earth  sustains. 


236  THE    PSALTER. 

All  things  their  course  at  thy  dread  call 

E'en  as  at  first  fulfil : 
They  are  thy  faithful  subjects  all, 

And  servants  of  thy  will. 

Had  not  thy  laws  been  my  delight, 
Mine  eyes  had  closed  in  death : 

Oh,  may  I  ne'er  the  statutes  slight, 
That  gave  anew  my  breath  ! 

Lord,  I  am  thine  :  oh,  save  me  yet, 

For  I  thy  laws  have  sought ; 
And  while  the  bad  my  path  beset, 

On  thee  was  all  my  thought. 

I  see  how  soon  comes  on  the  end 

Of  all  things  here  below  ; 
But  thy  commands  far,  far  extend, 

Nor  change  nor  period  know. 

XIII. 

The  love  that  to  thy  laws  I  bear, 
No  tongue,  Lord,  can  display : 

They  are  my  study  and  my  care 
Through  all  the  livelong  day. 

More  wise,  while  these  my  thoughts  engage, 

Than  all  my  subtle  foes  ; 
More  wise  than  many  an  earthly  sage 

Whom  once  for  guides  I  chose ; 

I  turn  my  careful  feet  apart 
From  every, evil  road, 


THE    PSALTER.  237 

But  clasp  and  fasten  to  my  heart 
The  judgments  thou  hast  showed. 

How  sweet  thy  accents'  strong  control, 
With  sure  persuasion  graced  ! 

How  much  more  grateful  to  my  soul, 
Than  honey  to  my  taste  ! 

So  by  thy  sacred  precepts  taught, 
With  heavenly  wisdom  blest, 

I  mourn  the  woes  which  sin  has  wrought, 
And  all  its  joys  detest. 

XIV. 

Thy  word  shall  cheer  my  footsteps  lone, 
When  closes  round  the  night ; 

The  lamp  whose  beams  so  far  are  thrown 
In  lines  of  living  light. 

Since  I  have  sworn  with  purpose  true 

To  keep  thy  judgments  just, 
Though  boundless  griefs  my  soul  subdue, 

Yet  lift  me  from  the  dust. 

Still  may  my  sacrifice  of  praise 

With  thee  acceptance  find  : 
And  let  thy  wisdom  in  thy  ways 

Instruct  my  willing  mind. 

My  life  within  my  hand  I  bear, 

Yet  thee  alone  I  serve  ; 
And  from  thy  paths  no  guilty  snare 

Shall  tempt  my  step  to  swerve. 


238  THE    PSALTER. 

Thy  laws,  my  heritage  and  choice, 

Have  all  within  me  won 
By  them  to  walk,  in  them  rejoice, 

Till  all  my  work  be  done. 

xv. 

Oh,  how  I  hate  the  idle  dreams 

Of  men  that  love  deceit ! 
But  thy  pure  word's  unfading  beams 

To  me  are  always  sweet. 

Thou  art  my  sheltering  hiding-place, 

And  my  almighty  shield  ! 
Thy  sovereign  word  of  truth  and  grace 

My  confidence  shall  yield. 

Depart,  depart,  ye  men  of  guilt, 

For  I  will  keep  His  will : 
O  Lord,  uphold  me  where  thou  wilt, 

And  all  my  hope  fulfil. 

Safe,  unashamed,  with  steadfast  eye 

Thy  statutes  I  obey  ; 
While  the  false  lovers  of  a  lie 

Like  dross  are  swept  away. 

From  their  proud  state,  in  mid  career, 
Thou  tread'st  them  down  with  might 

My  trembling  flesh  is  thrilled  with  fear, 
And  owns  thy  judgment  right. 


Til  E    PSALTER.  230 


XVI. 

Judgment  and  justice  I  have  wrought : 

Oh,  therefore,  Lord,  engage 
In  my  defence,  and  yield  me  not 
To  my  oppressors'  rage. 

Give  thou  thy  pledge,  to  ward  my  harm, 

Xor  let  the  proud  prevail ; 
For,  while  I  wait  thy  word  and  arm, 

My  weary  eyelids  fail. 

Oh,  give  thy  servant  all  thy  grace, 

And  teach  me  to  obey  : 
I  love,  O  Lord,  thy  servant's  place, 

In  wisdom's  sacred  way. 

Prolong  no  more  the  lingering  time, 

Xor  thy  dread  hand  withdraw ; 
For  they  who  glory  in  their  crime 

Annul  thy  sovereign  law. 

More  prized  than  gold,  than  gold  most  bright, 

I  guard  thy  laws  within, 
Deem  all  my  God's  commandments  right, 

And  shun  the  paths  of  sin. 

XVII. 

Wondrous  and  glorious  is  thy  word  ; 

My  soul  has  there  her  rest : 
Like  dawning  morn,  its  beams  are  poured, 

To  light  the  humble  breast. 


240  THE    PSALTER. 

With  opened  lips  and  panting  frame, 

I  listened  for  the  sound  : 
Oh,  as  to  those  that  love  thy  name, 

To  me  let  grace  abound. 

Look  on  me,  Lord,  and  guide  my  feet 

Along  thy  heavenly  way  ; 
Nor  e'er,  within  my  bosom's  seat 

Let  sin  have  quiet  sway. 

From  all  oppression  set  me  free, 
And  break  the  cruel  bands  ; 

And  I,  in  holy  liberty, 

Will  walk  by  thy  commands, 

Rivers  of  waters  from  mine  eyes 
For  sinners'  woes  descend  : 

Oh,  let  thy  smile  of  light  arise, 
Till  all  my  sorrows  end. 

XVIII. 

Righteous  and  pure,  O  glorious  Lord, 

Thy  judgments  all  abide  ; 
And  whatsoe'er  thy  words  record 

Is  truth  most  sure  and  tried. 

Because  my  foes  thy  precepts  spurn, 

My  zeal  burns  in  like  fire  : 
But  towards  those  spotless  words  I  turn 

With  fervent,  pure  desire. 

Small  is  my  name  ;  and  men  of  pride 
Have  scorned  my  lowly  lot : 


THE    PSALTER.  241 

Bat  thy  just  word  was  still  my  guide, 
Thy  truth  was  ne'er  forgot. 

Thy  judgments  all  are  just  and  true. 

While  endless  ages  roll ; 
My  joy  when  clouds  o'erhang  my  view, 

And  anguish  smites  my  soul. 

Thy  judgments  all  true  witness  speak 

While  endless  ages  fly  : 
Oh,  give  me  light  thy  truth  to  seek. 

And  I  shall  never  die. 


To  thee  my  inmost  heart  has  sighed, 
u  Oh,  hear  me,  Lord,  above  !" 

"  Oh,  save  me,  guide  me,"  still  I  cried, 
"  To  keep  the  laws  I  love  I" 

Thus,  hoping  in  thy  promise  kind, 

I  call  before  the  dawn  : 
Thus  holy  musings  throng  my  mind 

Ere  evening's  shades  be  drawn. 

O  Lord  of  love,  most  good  and  just, 
Hear  thou  my  constant  voice, 

And  warm  with  life  my  feeble  dust, 
And  bid  my  hope  rejoice. 

They  come,  O  Lord,  who  hate  thy  law, 

And  love  the  paths  of  ill : 
Xear  and  more  near  in  arms  they  draw, 

But  thou  art  nearer  still  ! 
16 


242  THE    PSALTER. 

All  thy  commandments,  Lord,  are  truth ; 

They  change  not,  nor  depart : 
I  know  them  from  my  earliest  youth, 

Eternal  as  thou  art. 

xx. 

Think,  Lord,  on  all  my  weary  grief; 

I  think  on  all  thy  laws  : 
Deliverer,  come  to  my  relief, 

And  plead  with  might  my  cause. 

As  thou  hast  spoken,  give  me  life, 

For  high  thy  mercies  rise  : 
But  health  is  far  from  sons  of  strife 

Who  all  thy  words  despise. 

As  thou  hast  promised,  give  me  life, 

For  many  are  my  foes  : 
But  ever,  mid  the  clamorous  strife, 

I  on  thy  laws  repose. 

On  the  transgressors  and  their  strife 
With  bleeding  heart  I  gaze  : 

Oh,  as  thou  lovest,  give  me  life, 
For  I  have  loved  thy  ways. 

As  ever  from  the  birth  of  time, 

Through  rolling  ages  past, 
So  shall  thy  judgments  stand  sublime, 

While  endless  ages  last. 


THE    PSALTER.  243 

XXI. 

Vainly  have  princes  on  my  tread 

With  causeless  hatred  hung  : 
I  held  thy  laws  in  deeper  dread, 

And  there  rejoicing  clung. 

Far  more  than  all  a  victor's  spoils, 

Thy  law  is  my  delight, 
But  from  th'  ensnarer's  subtle  toils 

I  shrunk  with  loathing  sight. 

Seven  times  throughout  the  circling  day, 

On  thee  with  praise  I  call : 
For  peace  have  they  who  love  thy  way, 

And  they  shall  never  fall. 

On  thy  salvation,  gracious  Lord, 

My  hopes  secure  depend  : 
I  love  the  precepts  of  thy  word, 

And  keep  them  to  the  end. 

From  that  high  work  of  all  my  powers 

I  never  yet  withdrew  ; 
Convinced  that  my  most  secret  hours 

Are  open  to  thy  view. 

XXII. 

Lord,  let  my  earnest  cry  come  near ; 

And  teach  me  by  thy  light : 
Let  mine  entreaty  reach  thine  ear  ; 

And  save  me  by  thy  might. 


244  THE    PSALTER. 

Then  shall  my  grateful  lips  return 

The  tribute  of  their  praise, 
When  thou  hast  made  my  heart  to  burn 

With  knowledge  of  thy  ways. 

My  tongue  shall  dwell  on  each  command, 

For  all  are  righteous  still  : 
Oh,  hold  me  by  thy  gracious  hand, 

As  I  would  choose  thy  will. 

My  soul  has  waited  long  to  see 

Thy  grace,  my  utmost  joy  : 
Oh,  let  me  live,  that  praise  to  thee 

May  all  my  days  employ. 

Like  some  lost  sheep  that  far  has  strayed, 

The  path  I  fain  would  find  : 
Thy  servant  seek  ;  for,  though  dismayed, 

I  hold  thy  laws  in  mind. 


PSALM  CXX. 

In  deep  distress  to  God  I  cried, 
And  answering  help  he  gave  : 

Oh,  save  from  lips  that  falsehood  hide, 
From  tongues  deceitful  save  ! 

What  meed  to  thee  shall  yet  be  given, 
Oh,  tongue  of  black  deceit? 

Sharp  arrows  by  the  mighty  driven, 
And  coals  of  quenchless  heat. 


THE    PSALTER.  245 

Oh,  woe  is  me,  constrained  to  roam 

O'er  Mesecb's  barren  plain  ! 
To  find  a  wanionr's  tented  home 

Mid  Kedar's  godless  train  ! 

Fierce  war  and  fell  debate  is  theirs  ; 

A  child  of  peace  am  I : 
But  when  for  peace  my  speech  prepares, 

They  raise  the  battle-cry. 


PSALM  CXXI. 

Up  to  the  hills  I  lift  mine  eyes, 
Th'  eternal  hills  beyond  the  skies  : 
Thence  from  the  Lord  I  wait  mine  aid, 
From  Him  who  heaven  and  earth  has  made. 

He  guides  our  feet,  He  guards  our  way, 
His  morning  smiles  bless  all  the  day : 
He  spreads  the  evening  veil,  and  keeps 
The  silent  hours  while  Israel  sleeps. 

That  holy  guardian's  watchful  (• 
Admit  no  slumber  nor  Borprise  : 
The  Lord  at  thy  right  hand  shall  spread 
Shadow  and  strength  above  thy  bead. 

The  sun  shall  send  no  scorching  light, 

The  moon  no  withering  chill  by  night : 
Safe  in  the  Lord  !  whose  heavenly  care 
Redeems  thy  soul  from  every  gn 


246  THE    PSALTER. 

Safe  shall  thy  feet  at  distance  roam, 
And  safe  regain  thy  peaceful  home  ; 
The  Lord  thy  journey  shall  defend, 
And  keep  thee  when  all  journeys  end. 


PSALM  CXXIL 

On,  'twas  a  joyful  sound  to  hear 

Our  tribes  devoutly  say, 
"  Up,  to  the  house  of  God  draw  near, 

And  keep  your  festal  day  !" 

Our  feet  within  thy  gates  shall  climb, 

Thy  gates  that  gleam  above, 
O  Salem,  throned  in  peace  sublime, 

And  girt  with  walls  of  love  ! 

For  Salem  shines,  with  all  her  towers, 

A  city  in  accord  ; 
There  stand  the  tribes  with  marshalled  powers, 

The  tribes  that  serve  the  Lord. 

There,  at  His  ark  of  witness  met, 

They  jn-aise  the  name  divine  ; 
And  there,  are  thrones  of  judgment  set, 

The  thrones  of  David's  line. 

Oh,  pray  for  Salem's  peaceful  days, 

For  they  shall  prosperous  be, 
Thou  holy  city  of  our  praise, 

Who  bear  true  love  to  thee. 


THE    PSALTER. 

Peace  dwell  within  thy  lofty  walls, 
And  crown  thy  sacred  dome  ! 

And  blessings  fill  thy  palace  halls, 
Our  hearts'  perpetual  home  ! 

For  friends'  and  brethren's  sake  I  cry, 
May  peace  within  thee  dwell ! 

And  for  the  house  of  God  Most  High, 
I  wish  thy  mansions  well ! 


PSALM  CXXIIL 

At  thy  footstool,  low  we  wait, 
To  thy  throne  we  lift  our  eyes, 

Thou  who  hold'st  thy  royal  state 
Far  beyond  the  glorious  skies. 

As  the  seiwant's  glance  intent 
Watches  for  his  lord's  command  ; 

As  the  maiden's  gaze  is  bent 
Lowly  on  her  mistress'  hand  ; 

So  our  eyes  and  so  our  prayer 
To  the  Lord  our  God  ascend, 

Till  His  mercy's  sovereign  care 
Downward  to  our  succour  bend. 

Lord  of  mercy,  mercy  grant : 
Mercy,  for  our  soul  is  bowed, 

Loaded  with  the  reveller's  taunt, 
With  the  mockery  of  the  proud. 


248  THE    PSALTER. 


PSALM  CXXIY. 

Had  not  the  Lord,  may  Israel  say, 

Had  not  the  Lord  maintained  our  side, 

When  men  to  make  our  lives  a  prey 
Rose  like  the  swelling  of  the  tide  ; 

The  swelling  tide  had  been  our  grave, 
So  fiercely  did  the  waters  roll : 

And  the  proud  torrent,  wave  on  wave, 
Had  swept  above  our  drowning  soul. 

Bless'd  be  the  Lord  !  to  him  be  given 
Praise  that  we  rise  from  death  so  nigh  ! 

So,  when  the  fowler's  snare  is  riven, 
Soars  the  glad  bird  far  up  on  high. 

The  snare  is  riven,  and  we  are  free  ; 

To  God  our  soul's  strong  pinions  rise  : 
For  all  our  help  has  come  from  thee, 

Great  Maker  of  the  earth  and  skies. 


PSALM  CXXV. 

Who  place  on  Sion's  God  their  trust- 
Like  Sion's  rock  shall  stand  ; 

Like  her  be  fixed,  mid  mortal  dust, 
By  His  a]mighty  hand. 


THE    PSALTER,  249 

Look,  how  the  hills,  mound  over  mound, 

Jerusalem  enclose  : 
So  clasps  the  Lord  His  people  round, 

And  guards  them  from  their  foes. 

Not  on  the  righteous  lot  must  rest 

The  impious  tyrant's  rod  ; 
Lest  the  pure  heart  should  sink  oppress'd, 

And  waver  from  its  God. 

Be  good,  O  righteous  Lord,  to  those 

Who  righteous  deeds  affect : 
Hearts  that  in  innocence  repose, 

Let  innocence  protect. 

The  feet  that  choose  the  wayward  way 

To  wander  shall  not  cease  ; 
God  leads  them  where  all  guilt  must  stray, 

But  Israel  shall  have  peace. 


PSALM  CXXVI. 

When  from  the  heathen  lands 
The  Lord  His  own  redeemed,' 

It  seemed  to  Sion's  wondering  bands 
As  if  a  dream  we  dreamed. 

Then  joy  to  laughter  rose, 

And  mirthful  echoes  rang 
While,  rescued  from  t^he  captive's  woes, 

Our  song  of  peace  we  sang. 


250  THE    PSALTER. 

Then  e'en  the  heathen  cried, 

■4  Great  deeds  their  Lord  has  done  !" 

"  Great  deeds,"  our  joyful  hearts  replied, 
"  His  triumph  have  begun." 

Gh,  still  thine  own  restore, 
As,  from  the  mountains  fed, 

G'er  southern  plains  the  torrents  pour, 
Each  to  its  ancient  bed. 

The  harvest  dawn  is  near  ; 

The  year  delays  not  long  : 
And  he  that  sows  with  many  a  tear 

Shall  reap  with  many  a  song. 

Sad  to  his  toil  he  goes, 

His  seed  with  weeping  leaves  ; 

But  he  shall  come,  at  day's  sweet  close, 
And  bring  his  golden  sheaves. 


psalm  cxxvn. 

Except  the  Lord  shall  build  the  halls, 

In  vain  the  builders'  pain  ; 
Except  the  Lord  shall  guard  the  walls, 

The  watchman  wakes  in  vain. 

In  vain  to  toil  ere  morning  break, 

And  midnight  vigils  keep, 
And  bitter  bread  of  care  partake, 

While  God's  belov'd  may  sleep. 


THE    PSALTER.  251 

God  gives  the  blooming  household  band, 
And  crowns  the  fruitful  birth  ; 

Like  arrows  in  a  champion's  hand, 
Are  children  in  their  mirth. 

How  blest  the  man  whose  quiver  bears 
Of  such  bright  shafts  the  weight ! 

The  clash  of  arms  unharmed  he  dares, 
When  foemen  throng  the  gate. 


PSALM  CXXYIII. 

How  happy  is  the  heart 

That  makes  the  Lord  its  dread, 

Finds  in  His  ways  the  better  part, 
And  walks  with  steadfast  tread  ! 

Sure  fruit  and  gladsome  cheer 
Thy  hands'  own  toil  shall  yield  ; 

Well  shalt  thou  dwell,  and  far  from  fear, 
Shalt  till  thy  pleasant  field. 

Like  some  fair  fruitful  vine, 

Thy  spouse  thy  walls  shall  grace  ; 

Like  olives  round  thy  board  shall  twine 
Thy  young  and  blooming  race. 

Lo,  thus  the  man  shall  live 

Who  makes  the  Lord  his  dread, 

And  God  from  Sion's  height  shall  give 
All  bles.^ins;  on  his  head. 


252  THE    PSALTER. 

On  Salem's  good  thine  eyes 

Through  all  thy  days  shall  rest ; 

Shall  see  thy  children's  children  rise, 
And  see  thine  Israel  blest. 


PSALM  CXXIX. 

Oh,  many  a  time  from  earliest  youth, 
Oh,  many  a  time,  may  Israel  say, 

From  earliest  youth  they  moched  my  truth, 
But  ne'er  o'ercame  th'  encircled  prey. 

Hard  on  my  back  the  ploughers  ploughed, 
And  deep  their  furrows  red  they  drew  ; 

But  God  the  just  subdued  the  prond, 
And  far  their  broken  fetters  threw. 

Let  Sion's  foes  turn  back  afraid, 

And  fade,  like  grass  that  clasps  the  eaves 
No  mower  crops  the  withering  blade, 

No  reaper  binds  it  to  his  sheaves. 

No  passing  stranger  lingers  near, 

Kind  word  of  greeting  thus  to  frame  ; 

"  The  blessing  of  the  Lord  be  here  ! 
We  wish  you  blessing  in  His  name  !" 


THE    PSALTER.  258 


PSALM  CXXX. 

From  the  deep  valleys  drear 

To  God  arose  my  cry ; 
Lord,  hear  me  with  attentive  ear, 

And  graciously  reply. 

If  thou,  Lord,  sternly  see, 

Who,  Lord,  oh,  who  shall  stand  ? 

But  sweet  forgiveness  dwells  with  thee, 
That  all  may  fear  thy  hand. 

My  soul  with  patience  waits 

For  thee,  the  living  Lord  ; 
My  hope  stands  waiting  at  thy  gates, 

And  clinging  to  thy  word. 

My  longing  eyes  look  out 

For  thy  enlivening  ray, 
More  duly  than  the  watchmen  shout 

To  view  the  dawning  day. 

Let  Israel  trust  her  King, 

Xo  bound  His  mercy  know  v. 
From  whose  exhaustless  source  and  spring 

Eternal  succour  flows. 

That  healing,  cleansing  stream 

Shall  wash  our  guilt  away  ; 
And  God  His  Israel  shall  redeem 

From  sin's  last  lingering  sway. 


254  THE    PSALTER. 


PSALM  CXXXI. 

Lord,  forever  at  thy  side 

Let  my  place  and  portion  be  ; 

Strip  me  of  the  robe  of  pride, 
Clothe  me  with  humility. 

Meekly  may  my  soul  receive 
All  thy  Spirit  hath  revealed ; 

Thou  hast  spoken ;  I  believe, 
Though  the  oracle  be  sealed. 

Humble  as  a  little  child, 

Weaned  from  the  mother's  breast, 
By  no  subtlety  beguiled, 

On  thy  faithful  word  I  rest. 

Israel,  now  and  evermore, 
In  the  Lord  Jehovah  trust : 

Him  in  all  His  ways  adore, 
Wise,  and  wonderful,  and  just. 


PSALM  CXXXII. 

Let  David,  Lord,  a  constant  place 
In  thy  remembrance  find  ; 

And  let  his  sorrows'  weary  trace 
Be  ever  in  thy  mind. 


THE    PSALTER.  255 

Remember  how,  o'er  whelmed  with  oare, 

He  made  his  upright  vow, 
And  to  the  God  of  Israel  sware, 

To  whom  all  creatures  bow; 

"  I  will  not  go  within  my  hall, 

Nor  to  my  bed  ascend  ; 
No  slumber  on  mine  eyes  shall  fall, 

Nor  sleep  mine  eyelids  bend  ; 

"  Till  for  the  Lord's  designed  abode 

I  mark  the  destined  ground, 
Till  for  the  ark  of  Jacob's  God 

Meet  dwelling-place  be  found/' 

Behold,  the  tidings  glad  and  good 

From  Ephratah  we  hear  : 
And  in  the  pastures  of  the  wood 

The  sacred  scenes  appear. 

Oh,  with  due  reverence  let  us  all 

To  His  abode  repair  ; 
And  prostrate  at  His  footstool  fall, 

And  pour  our  humble  prayer. 

Arise,  O  Lord,  with  splendours  mark 

Thy  constant  place  of  rest : 
Be  that  not  only  will)  thine  ark, 

But  with  thy  presence  blest. 

Clothe  thou  thy  priests  with  righteousness. 

Make  thou  thy  saints  rejoice  ; 
For  David's  sake,  their  concourse  bless, 

For  thine  Anointed's  voice. 


256  THE    PSALTER. 

God  in  His  truth  to  David  sware, 

Nor  shall  His  oath  be  vain, 
"  Thy  seed  shall  thy  dominion  bear, 

And  on  thy  throne  shall  reign. 

"  And,  if  their  heart  my  covenant  own, 

And  in  my  laws  delight, 
Their  seed  shall  still  maintain  their  throne, 

Forever  in  my  sight. 

"  For  Sion's  towers,  in  God's  esteem, 

All  other  seats  excel ; 
His  place  of  peaceful  rest  supreme, 

Where  He  delights  to  "dwell. 

"  Her  store  my  bounty  shall  increase, 
My  board  her  poor  shall  throng : 

Her  priests  shall  walk  in  robes  of  peace, 
Her  saints  shall  shout  in  song. 

"  There  shall  the  horn  of  David's  might 

Be  lifted  by  his  line, 
And  I  will  bid  perpetual  light 

On  mine  Anointed  shine. 

"His  vanquished  foes  shall  hide  their  face, 
With  bitter  shame  o'erspread, 

While  His  own  crown,  of  peerless  grace, 
Shall  nourish  on  his  head." 


THE    r  SALTER. 


PSALM  C XXXIII. 

Lo,  how  delightsome  is  the  sight, 

When  brethren  dear  and  near 
With  happy  hearts  their  lot  unite, 

And  dwell  in  love  sincere  ! 

Xot  richer  once  the  oil  appeared, 
Which,  poured  on  Aaron's  head, 

Flowed  trickling  down  his  reverend  beard, 
And  o'er  his  vestments  spread. 

Xot  softer  dews  on  Hermon's  side 

From  balmy  skies  distil ; 
Xot  softer,  down  from  heaven  they  glide 

To  Sion*s  sacred  hill. 

For  there,  where  love  in  brethren's  breasts 

Has  fastened  firm  its  tie, 
The  Lord's  eternal  blessing  rests, 

And  life  that  cannot  die. 


PSALM  CXXXIV. 

Lo,  ye  that  serve  the  Lord  of  light, 
Within  His  temple,  night  by  night, 
While  thus  ye  keep  your  faithful  ward, 
Lift  holy  hands  and  bless  the  Lord. 
17 


258  THE    PSALTER. 

The  Lord  who  made  the  heavens  on  high, 
The  sun,  the  moon,  the  starry  sky, 
And  spread  below  the  earth  and  sea, 
From  Sion,  blessings  send  on  thee. 


PSALM  CXXXV. 

Praise  ye  the  Lord  !     With  glad  acclaim 
The  Lord's  high  praises  raise  ! 

Praise  ye  the  Lord's  almighty  name ; 
Let  all  that  serve  Him,  praise  ! 

Praise  ye  the  Lord  !     His  praises  bring, 

All  ye  that  stand  and  wait, 
Within  the  courts  of  God  our  King, 

Within  His  temple-gate. 

Praise  ye  the  Lord  !     The  Lord  is  kind  ; 

Sing  praises  and  rejoice  : 
The  Lord  on  Jacob's  seed  has  shined, 

And  Israel  is  His  choice. 

For  well  my  heart  His  greatness  knows, 
And  joys  with  thanks  to  own 

How  high  His  throne  in  glory  glows 
O'er  every  idol  throne. 

Whate'er  the  Lord  our  God  decrees, 
His  realms  must  hear  and  keep  ; 

The  heaven,  the  earth,  the  rolling  seas, 
The  caverns  of  the  deep. 


THE    PSALTER.  259 

He  lifts  the  far  spread  clouds  on  high, 
And  showers  and  lightnings  blends  ; 

And  from  His  treasures  in  the  sky, 
The  swift-winged  tempest  sends. 

His  signs,  O  Egypt,  shook  thy  coasts, 

When  all  thy  first-horn  died  ; 
Died  beast  and  man  ;  the  subject  hosts, 

The  heir  of  Pharaoh's  pride. 

He  marched  o'er  nations'  smitten  powers, 

And  mighty  monarchs  slain  ; 
Sihon  and  Og,  high  Heshbon's  towers 

And  Bashan's  mountain  reign ; 

Till  all  the  kings  of  Canaan  bled, 

E'en  to  the  utmost  west ; 
And  Israel  to  his  home  was  led, 

His  home  of  promised  rest. 

Thy  name,  O  Lord,  endures  in  light, 

While  ages  downward  flow  ; 
For  thou  wilt  judge  thy  people's  right, 

And  pity  all  their  woe. 

The  heathen  gods  are  gods  of  gold, 

Or  silver  fashioned  fair: 
Man  gave  them  silent  lips  and  cold, 

That  moek  the  votary's  prayer. 

Man  gave  them  ears  that  naught  can  hear, 
And  eyes  that  naught  can  view  ; 

And  mouths,  which  breath  or  accent  ne'er 
Or  spoke  or  murmured  through. 


260  TEE    PSALTER. 

And  dull  like  them,  and  dead  are  they 
Who  loud  their  praises  tell, 

And  trust  the  gods  of  gold  or  clay, 
Themselves  have  framed  so  well. 

O  house  of  Israel,  bless  your  King, 
And  praise  the  name  divine  ! 

O  house  of  Aaron,  haste  and  bring 
Your  praises  to  His  shrine  ! 

O  house  of  Levi,  strike  the  chord 

His  holy  song  to  raise  ! 
O  ye  that  fear  Him,  bless  the  Lord, 

And  utter  all  His  praise  ! 

Oh,  bless  the  Lord  from  Sion's  walls, 
The  Lord  who  reigns  above, 

Yet  deigns  to  dwell  in  Salem's  halls, 
Praise  ye  the  Lord  of  love  ! 


PSALM  CXXXYI. 

Praise  God,  who  in  all  goodness  dwells  ; 

His  mercy  is  forever  ! 
Praise  God,  who  all  the  gods  excels : 

His  mercy  ceases  never  ! 

Praise  Him,  who  is  of  lords  the  Lord  ; 

His  mercy  is  forever  ! 
Whose  wondrous  deeds  His  praise  record 

His  mercy  ceases  never  ! 


THE    PSALTER.  261 

Whose  wisdom  gave  the  heavens  their  birth  ; 

His  mercy  is  forever  ! 
And  o'er  the  waters  spread  the  earth  ; 

His  mercy  ceases  never  ! 

Who  taught  yon  glorious  lights  their  way; 

His  mercy  is  forever  ! 
The  golden  sun,  to  rule  the  day  ; 

His  mercy  ceases  never ! 

The  moon  and  stars,  to  rule  the  night ; 

His  mercy  is  forever  ! 
Who  smote  the  Egyptian's  first-born  might : 

His  mercy  ceases  never  ! 

Who  brought  out  Israel  from  their  land  ; 

His  mercy  is  forever  ! 
With  outstretched  arm  and  mighty  hand  ; 

His  mercy  ceases  never  ! 

Who  cleft  the  Red  Sea  depths  in  two  ; 

His  mercy  is  forever  ! 
And  Israel  brought  in  triumph  through  ; 

His  mercy  ceases  never  ! 

Who  Pharaoh  and  his  warriors  drowned  ; 

His  mercy  is  forever  ! 
And  led  His  flock  o'er  desert  ground  ; 

His  mercy  ceases  never ! 

Who  kings  in  battle  overthrew  ; 

His  mercy  is  forever ! 
Kings  great  and  far-famed  sovereigns  slew ; 

His  mercy  ceases  never  ! 


262  THE    PSALTER. 

Sihon,  the  royal  Amorite  ; 

His  mercy  is  forever  ! 
And  Og,  the  lord  of  Bashan's  might ; 

His  mercy  ceases  never  ! 

And  gave  their  land  an  heritage ; 

His  mercy  is  forever  ! 
His  Israel's  lot  from  age  to  age ; 

His  mercy  ceases  never  ! 

Who  thought  on  us  amidst  our  woes ; 

His  mercy  is  forever  ! 
And  gave  us  ransom  from  our  foes ; 

His  mercy  ceases  never  ! 

Who  fills  with  food  each  living  thing ; 

His  mercy  is  forever  ! 
Oh,  thank  the  heavens'  almighty  King  ; 

His  mercy  ceases  never  ! 


PSALM  CXXXVH. 

By  Babel's  streams  we  sat  and  wept, 

For  memory  still  to  Sion  clung  ; 
The  winds  alone  our  harp-strings  swept, 

That  on  the  drooping  willows  hung. 

There  our  rude  conquerors,  flushed  with  pride, 
Called  for  a  lay,  to  mock  our  wrongs  ; 

And  they  who  spoiled  our  altars,  cried, 
"  Come,  sing  us  one  of  Sion's  songs." 


THE    PS  ALTER.  263 

How  shall  we  tune  our  voice  to  sing, 

Or  touch  our  harps  with  trembling  hand  ? 

Oh,  no,  we  have  nor  voice  nor  string 
For  such  a  song,  in  such  a  land. 

Jerusalem,  God's  holy  hill, 

When  I  of  thee  forgetful  prove, 

Let  then  my  hand  forget  its  skill, 

The  speaking  strings  with  art  to  move  ! 

And  let  my  tongue  its  utterance  cease, 
If  thou  no  more  its  praise  employ  ; 

If  Salem  and  her  holy  peace 

Shall  fade  before  some  dearer  joy  ! 

Remember,  Lord,  how  Edom's  crowd, 

In  leaguered  Sion's  day  of  woe, 
Urged  on  the  victor,  shouting  loud, 

"  O'erthrow  her,  to  the  dust  o'erthrow  !" 

Daughter  of  Babel,  the  forlorn, 

Doomed  to  sure  wrath  a  wretched  prey, 
In  blessings  be  the  avenger  born, 

Who  all  our  wrongs  shall  yet  repay. 

His  conquering  sword  be  richly  blest, 

Who  comes,  with  future  triumph  crowned, 

To  rend  thy  children  from  thy  breast, 
And  dash  them  bleeding  to  the  ground. 


264  THE    PSALTER. 


PSALM  CXXXVIII. 

With  all  my  heart,  O  Lord  of  love, 

My  thankful  gifts  I  bring ; 
Before  thine  angel  hosts  above, 

My  lay  of  praise  I  sing. 

I  worship  at  thy  sacred  seat, 
t  And  with  thy  love  inspired, 
The  glories  of  thy  truth  repeat, 
O'er  all  thy  works  admired. 

What  time  I  called,  thine  answer  came, 
Strengthening  my  soul  with  might : 

All  kings  of  earth  shall  tell  thy  name, 
Thy  deeds  of  grace  recite. 

They  hear  the  counsels  of  thy  tongue, 
And  while  they  tread  thy  ways, 

By  heathen  lips  at  length  is  sung 
The  Lord's  most  glorious  praise. 

How  high  the  Lord  !  and  yet  His  eyes 

Regard  the  lowly  heart : 
At  distance  He  the  proud  espies, 

And  holds  him  far  apart. 

Though  I  may  walk  with  thronging  foes, 

Thy  love  shall  give  me  life  ; 
Thy  strong  right  hand  shall  crush  my  foes, 

And  end  their  stormy  strife. 


THE    PSALTER.  205 

The  Lord  shall  all  my  hope  fulfil ; 

Thy  mercy  steadfast  stands  : 
Forsake  not,  Lord,  in  days  of  ill, 

The  work  of  thine  own  hands. 


PSALM  CXXXIX. 

Lokd,  thou  hast  searched  me  out,  and  known 
My  rising  up  and  lying  down  : 
And  every  thought  that  silent  lies 
Thy  piercing  glance  from  far  descries. 

Thou  art  about  the  path  I  tread  ; 

Thou  art  around  my  nightly  bed  : 

Thou  know\t  whatever  my  lips  would  vent, 

My  yet  unuttered  word's  intent. 

Surrounded  by  thy  power  I  stand  ; 
On  every  side  I  find  thy  hand  : 
Oh  skill  for  human  reach  too  high  ! 
Too  dazzling  bright  for  mortal  eye  ! 

If  e'er  my  soul  could  long  for  wings 
To  shun  thy  might,  O  King  of  kin  _ 
Where  from  thy  Spirit  could  I  hide, 
Or  where  beyond  thy  beams  abide  ? 

If  up  to  heaven  I  take  my  flight, 

There  dwell'st  thou  in  thy  halls  of  light  : 

If  down  to  hell's  dread  couch  I  bow, 
There  in  thy  judgments,  Lord,  art  thou. 


206  THE    PSALTER. 

If  I  the  morning's  wings  could  gain, 
And  fly  beyond  the  western  main, 
Thy  swifter  hand  would  first  arrive, 
And  there  arrest  thy  fugitive. 

Or  should  I  try  to  shun  thy  sight 
Beneath  the  sable  veil  of  night, 
One  glance  from  thee,  one  piercing  ray, 
Would  kindle  darkness  into  day. 

The  veil  of  night  is  no  disguise  : 
Sunbeams  for  thee  nor  set  nor  rise : 
Night  shines  for  thee  as  day  has  shone  : 
Darkness  and  light  for  thee  are  none. 

Thou  know'st  the  texture  of  my  heart, 
My  reins,  and  every  vital  part : 
Each  single  thread  in  nature's  loom 
By  thee  was  covered  in  the  womb. 

I  praise  thee,  from  whose  hand  I  came, 
Clothed  with  this  fearful  wondrous  frame 
My  soul  with  joy  the  praise  shall  tell 
Of  Him  whose  work  she  knows  so  well. 

Thine  eyes  my  substance  could  survey, 
While  yet  an  embryo  mass  it  lny : 
Where  deep  in  earth  none  else  could  see, 
The  secret  mould  was  watched  by  thee. 

All  lay  unfolded  to  thy  look3 
And  all  was  written  in  thy  book, 
While,  day  by  day,  the  members  grew, 
!N"or  yet  their  form  and  beauty  knew. 


THE    PSALTER.  2G7 

How  clear  to  me  thy  thoughts  of  good ! 
How  few  by  mortals  understood  ! 
If  I  could  sum  them,  all  were  more 
Than  sands  along  the  ocean  shore. 

These  on  my  heart  are  still  impress'd  ; 
With  these  I  give  mine  eyes  to  rest  : 
And  at  my  waking  hours  I  find 
Thy  love  still  sovereign  o'er  my  mind. 

Lord,  wilt  thou  not  the  impious  slay  ? 
Hence,  ye  that  thirst  for  blood,  away  ! 
For  loud,  O  Lord,  their  curses  ring, 
While  on  thy  name  proud  scorn  they  fling. 

Hate  I  not  them  that  hate  thee,  Lord, 
That  lift  rebellious  arms  abhorred  ? 
I  dread,  I  loathe  the  dark  design  : 
And  all  the  foes  of  God  are  mine. 

Search  thou,  O  God,  my  thoughts  and  heart ; 
And  try  my  soul's  most  secret  part : 
Correct  me  when  I  go  astray, 
And  lead  me  in  the  eternal  way. 


PSALM  CXL. 

Save  me,  O  Lord  !     From  every  foe, 
From  the  fierce  spoiler's  cruel  blow, 
From  evil  hearts  that  love  deceit, 
Preserve,  O  Lord,  thy  servant's  feet. 


2G8  THE    PSALTER. 

All  day  they  gather  to  the  strife, 

Each  tongue  a  murderer's  sharpened  knife  : 

The  serpent's  bite  is  in  their  teeth, 

The  adder's  venom  lurks  beneath. 

Then  save  me,  Lord,  from  treacherous  hands, 
From  the  fierce  spoiler's  cruel  bands, 
Who  fast  the  ambushed  death  prepare, 
And  spread  around  the  net  and  snare. 

Lord,  I  have  cried,  my  God  art  thou : 
Hear,  Lord  my  God,  my  suppliant  vow ; 
And  lift  that  shield  of  saving  might, 
That  guards  my  head  through  fields  of  fight. 

Oh,  grant  not,  Lord,  their  impious  will, 
N  or  let  them  their  device  fulfil ; 
But  let  their  treacherous  crests  be  bowed, 
And  shame  and  fear  o'erwhelm  the  proud. 

Their  lips'  own  guile  shall  weigh  them  deep ; 
Showers  of  red  fire  shall  round  them  sweep  ; 
Till  mid  the  awful  flame  they  sink, 
And  o'er  them  close  the  pit's  dread  brink. 

The  man  whose  words  are  dark  and  base 
Shall  have  on  earth  no  stable  place  ; 
And  he  who  loves  the  evil  deed 
From  vengeful  darts  in  vain  shall  speed. 

The  Lord  shall  plead  the  cause  oppressed, 
And  give  th'  afflicted  right  and  rest ; 
The  just  thy  praises  still  shall  tell, 
The  upright  in"  thy  sight  shall  dwell. 


THE    PS  ALTER.  2G9 


PSALM  CXLI. 

Lord,  at  thy  throne  I  urge  ray  cry ; 
Swift  to  my  aid  let  mercy  fly : 
And  let  thine  ear  in  pity  bend, 
While  from  the  dust  my  sighs  ascend. 

As  fragrant  incense  on  the  air, 
So  mount  to  heaven  my  early  prayer  : 
And  let  my  nightly  worship  rise, 
Sweet  as  the  evening  sacrifice. 

Set  o'er  my  lips  a  watch  and  guard  ; 
Be  their  firm  portals  sternly  barred  ; 
Xor  leave  my  lawless  heart  to  stray 
Where  evil  footsteps  crowd  the  way. 

A  stranger  to  the  sinner's  joy, 
My  hand  repels  his  hard  employ ; 
Nor  takes,  in  guilty  friendship  pressed, 
The  feast  that  waits  the  sinner's  guest. 

When  righteous  lips  my  errors  chide, 
Like  healing  oil  the  accents  glide  ; 
The  voice  of  faithful  love  I  know. 
And  I  must  bless  the  chastening  blow. 

And  since  their  words  my  health  devise, 
My  prayer  to  heaven  for  them  shall  rise  ; 
And  when  they  strew  the  rocky  ground, 
Sweet  in  their  ears  my  words  shall  sound. 


270  THE    PSALTER. 

For  us,  our  scattered  bones  are  left, 
As  branches  by  the  woodman  cleft  ; 
They,  fast  beside  some  forest  cave, 
We,  at  the  dark  door  of  the  grave. 

But,  Lord  my  God,  my  aching  eyes 
Shall  seek  thy  dwelling  in  the  skies  ; 
On  thee  my  only  hopes  rely  : 
Oh,  leave  me  not  alone  to  die  ! 

Preserve  me  from  the  secret  net, 
The  toils  which  impious  foes  have  set : 
In  their  own  snares  themselves  shall  pine, 
While  life  and  liberty  are  mine. 


PSALM  CXLII. 

To  God  my  earnest  voice  I  raise  : 
To  God  my  voice  imploring  prays  : 
Before  His  face  I  pour  my  tears, 
And  tell  my  sorrows  in  His  ears. 

When  griefs  my  fainting  soul  o'erflow, 
Thou  know'st  the  lonely  way  I  go  : 
Thou  seest  the  toils  thy  foes  have  spread, 
To  snare  thy  servant's  guileless  tread. 

All  unprotected,  lo,  I  stand, 
No  friendly  guardian  at  my  hand, 
No  place  of  flight  or  refuge  near, 
And  none  to  whom  my  soul  is  dear. 


THE    PSALTER.  271 

But.  Lord,  to  thee  I  make  my  vow ; 
3iy  hope,  my  place  of  refuge  thou ! 
My  Bhelter  in  the  day  of  strife. 
My  portion  in  the  land  of  life. 

Then  hear,  and  heed,  my  fervent  cry ; 
For  low  with  burdening  griefs  I  lie  ; 

inst  my  foes  thy  arm  display, 
For  I  am  weak,  and  powerful  they. 

Redeem  me  from  these  captive  chains, 
That  I  may  sing  in  grateful  strains  : 
Then  shall  the  righteous  round  me  press, 
And  join  thy  bounteous  love  to  bless. 


PSALM  CXLIII. 

Lord,  hear  my  prayer,  and  to  my  cry 
Thy  wonted  audience  lend  ; 

In  thine  accustomed  clemency 
A  gracious  answer  send. 

Xor  at  thy  just  tribunal  call 

Thy  servant  to  be  tried  ; 
For  in  thy  sight,  of  mortals  all 

Shall  none  be  justified. 

Strong  foes  against  my  soul  unite ; 

My  life  to  dust  they  tread  ; 
I  dwell  where  darkness  veils  my  sight, 

As  mid  the  long  lost  dead. 


272  THE    P  SALTER. 

O'erwhelmed  beneath  a  flood  of  woes, 

My  spirit  sighs  for  rest : 
But  desolate  is  all  repose 

Within  my  fainting  breast. 

Yet  I  recall  the  days  of  old, 

Thy  works  of  wonder  trace, 
Thy  works  which  all  thy  saints  have  told, 

The  footsteps  of  thy  grace. 

Then,  cheered  by  hope,  my  outstretched  hands 

Their  hold  on  thee  regain  : 
For  thee  I  long,  as  thirsty  lands 

For  showers  of  generous  rain. 

Oh,  hear  me,  Lord,  nor  more  delay, 

For  griefs  my  life  consume  ; 
Nor  hide  thy  face  lest  I  decay, 

With  those  who  seek  the  tomb. 

When  morning  lights  the  opening  skies, 

Thy  beams,  O  Lord,  disclose  : 
And  let  thy  loving  kindness  rise, 

For  there  my  hopes  repose. 

Teach  me  the  way  where  I  shall  go, 

Who  lift  my  soul  to  thee  ; 
Redeem  me  from  the  raging  foe, 

Since  to  thy  throne  I  flee. 

Teach  me  the  righteous  choice,  to  do 

My  gracious  God's  command  : 
Let  thy  good  Spirit  lead  me  through, 

Into  the  upright  land. 


THE    PSALTER.  273 

Revive  me,  Lord,  for  thy  great  name, 

And  for  thy  judgment's  sake 
From  woe  and  gloom  my  soul  reclaim, 

My  chains  of  anguish  break  ; 

That  they,  beneath  thy  gracious  arm, 

May  perish  in  their  shame, 
Who  seek  to  reach,  with  deadly  harm, 

A  soul  that  loves  thv  name. 


PSALM  CXLIY. 

Bless'd  be  the  Lord,  my  Strength  and  Rock, 
The  Lord,  whose  favouring  might 

Has  nerved  my  arm  for  battle's  shock, 
And  taught  my  hand  to  fight. 

The  Lord,  my  Goodness  and  my  Power, 

My  Saviour,  and  my  Shield  ; 
I  trust  in  that  embattled  Tower, 

And  rebel  armies  yield. 

Lord,  what  is  man,  the  child  of  clay, 

To  win  thy  thought  or  eye  ? 
Vain  as  the  shadows  on  their  way, 

Our  days  are  fleeting  by. 

Oh,  bow  thy  heavens,  great  God,  from  far, 

And  come  in  glory  down  ; 
The  hills  shall  feel  thy  passing  car, 

And  bend  their  smoking  crown. 
18 


2H  THE    P SALTER. 

With  lightnings  light  the  stormy  cloud, 

With  arrows  from  thy  bow  ; 
And  strew  the  banners  of  the  proud, 

And  all  their  strength  o'erthrow. 

Stretch  forth  thine  arm,  and  rend  the  sky, 
And  snatch  me  from  the  wave  : 

Though  round  me  roll  its  floods  so  high, 
Oh,  yet  thy  suppliant  save. 

Save  from  the  strangers'  impious  band, 
Whose  lips  o'erflow  with  guile, 

Whose  armed  right  hand,  a  false  right  hand, 
Belies  their  treacherous  smile. 

A  new-made  song,  my  God  and  Lord, 

To  thee  my  heart  shall  sing  : 
I  strike  the  psaltery's  silver  chord, 

And  lyre  of  tenfold  string. 

I  sing  thine  arm,  thine  arm  alone, 

By  highest  kings  adored, 
That  victory  gave  to  David's  throne, 

And  snatched  him  from  the  sword. 

Still  save  me  from  the  strangers1  band, 
Whose  lips  o'erflow  with  guile  ; 

Whose  armed  right  hand,  a  false  right  hand, 
Belies  their  treacherous  smile. 

So,  as  the  stately  stems  entwine, 

Our  sons  shall  gird  our  home  ; 
Our  maids  like  pillars  fair  shall  shine, 

That  lift  a  regal  dome. 


THE    PS  A  L  TEL'.  275 

So,  home  shall  come  the  garnered  store 

From  garden,  fold,  and  field  ; 
So,  thousands,  and  ten  thousands  more, 

Our  peaceful  flocks  shall  yield. 

So,  strong  to  bear  his  load  of  toil, 

The  generous  ox  shall  tread ; 
Xo  conqueror's  hand  shall  grasp  the  spoil ; 

No  captive's  tear  be  shed  ; 

Xo  wail  along  our  streets  shall  ring : 

Oh  happy,  happy  shore  ! 
Oh,  happy  race,  where  God  is  King, 

And  Lord  for  evermore  ! 


PSALM  CXLV. 

God  my  King,  thy  might  confessing, 
Ever  will  I  bless  thy  name  : 

Day  by  day,  with  songs  of  blessing, 
Still  will  I  thy  praise  proclaim. 

Honour  great  our  God  befitteth ; 

Who  His  majesty  can  reach  ? 
Age  to  age  His  works  transmitteth, 

Age  to  age  His  power  shall  teach. 

They  shall  talk  of  all  thy  glory, 
On  thy  might  and  greatness  dwell, 

Speak  of  thy  dread  acts  the  story, 
And  thy  deeds  of  wonder  tell. 


276  TEE    PSALTER. 

Nor  shall  fail  from  memory's  treasure 
Works  by  love  and  mercy  wrought ; 

Works  of  love  surpassing  measure, 
Works  of  mercy  passing  thought. 

God  is  kind,  all  pity  giving, 
Slow  to  anger,  rich  in  grace  ; 

God  is  good  to  all  things  living  : 
And  His  mercies  all  embrace. 

All  thy  works,  O  Lord,  shall  bless  thee, 
All  thy  saints  thy  love  shall  laud : 

King  supreme  shall  they  confess  thee, 
And  shall  tell  thy  power  abroad. 

They  thy  might,  all  might  excelling, 
Shall  to  all  mankind  make  known, 

And  the  brightness  of  thy  dwelling, 
And  the  glories  of  thy  throne. 

While  the  ages  on  are  gliding 
Shall  thine  endless  might  remain  ; 

Through  th'  eternal  years  abiding, 
Stand  the  pillars  of  thy  reign. 

Them  that  fall  the  Lord  upraises  ; 

He  sustains  the  bowed  and  bent ; 
Every  creature  upward  gazes, 

Waiting  thence  their  nourishment. 

Thou,  thy  bounteous  hand  unfolding, 
Giv'st  to  all  their  daily  food ; 

They,  the  streams  of  life  beholding, 
Drink,  and  all  are  filled  with  good. 


THE    PSALTER.  277 

God  in  all  his  works  is  holy, 

God  is  just  in  all  His  ways  ; 
Nigh  to  every  suppliant  lowly, 

Nigh  whene'er  such  suppliant  prays. 

Who  with  humble  fear  adore  Him, 
He  will  grant  them  all  they  crave  ; 

Who  with  earnest  cries  implore  Him, 
He  will  hear  them,  haste,  and  save. 

For  the  Lord  His  full  salvation 
Gives  to  souls  that  seek  His  joy : 

But  with  righteous  condemnation 
Shall  the  impious  hosts  destroy. 

Still,  O  Lord,  thy  might  confessing, 
Shall  my  tongue  thy  praise  proclaim, 

And  may  all  mankind  with  blessing 
Ever  hail  thy  holy  name  ! 


PSALM  CXLVI. 

Praise  the  Lord ! 
Praise  Him,  my  soul,  while  I  have  breath, 
And  when  my  voice  is  lost  in  death, 

His  praise  shall  still  thy  powers  employ : 
My  days  of  praise  shall  ne'er  be  past, 
While  life  and  breath  and  being  last, 

And  immortality,  and  joy. 


278  THE    PSALTER. 

Why  should  I  place  in  man  my  trust  ? 
Princes  must  die  and  turn  to  dust ; 

Vain  is  the  hope  which  there  shall  build  ; 
Their  breath  departs,  their  pomp  and  power 
And  thoughts,  all  perish  in  an  hour  ; 

And  the  vain  hope  dies  unfulfilled. 

Happy  the  man  whose  hopes  rely 
On  Jacob's  God ;  He  made  the  sky, 

And  earth,  and  seas,  with  all  their  train  : 
His  truth  for  ever  stands  secure  ; 
He  saves  th'  oppressed,  He  feeds  the  poor ; 

And  none  shall  find  His  promise  vain. 

The  Lord  gives  eyesight  to  the  blind, 
The  Lord  supports  the  sinking  mind ; 

He  sends  the  righteous,  strength  and  peace ; 
He  helps  the  stranger  in  distress, 
The  widow  and  the  fatherless, 

And  grants  the  captive  sweet  release. 

God  shall  the  impious  path  confound, 

And  bring  their  proud  hosts  to  the  ground  : 

Thy  God,  O  Sion,  ever  reigns ; 
Let  every  tongue,  let  every  age, 
In  His  exalted  praise  engage, 

And  bless  Him  in  eternal  strains  ! 
Praise  the  Lord ! 


THE    PSALTER.  279 


PSALM  CXLYII. 

On,  praise  the  Lord  !  for  well  belong 

High  praises  to  our  King ; 
And  glad  to  us  the  voice  of  song 

When  God's  dear  praise  we  sing. 

The  Lord,  on  Salem's  lofty  crest, 
Rebuilds  her  ruined  walls  ; 

And  back  to  Israel's  ancient  rest 
His  exiled  people  calls. 

He  comes  to  soothe  the  couch  of  woe, 

And  all  its  pains  depart  : 
He  pours  the  healing  balsam's  flow, 

And  binds  the  bleeding  heart. 

He  counts  yon  host  that  gem  the  skies, 
And  names  each  starry  light : 

Great  is  the  Lord,  and  greatly  wise, 
Beyond  a  creature's  sight. 

The  Lord,  in  endless  power  supreme, 

Exalts  the  lowly  head  ; 
And  treads  the  sinner  and  his  dream 

Beneath  His  conquering  tread. 

Oh,  answer  to  the  Lord  with  songs, 

With  songs  of  sacred  fire  : 
Oh,  lift  to  God  the  voice  of  throngs, 

And  wake  the  sounding  lyre. 


280  THE    PSALTER. 

The  clouds'  dark  march  o'er  heaven  he  guides, 

And  sends  the  rushing  rain  ; 
He  clothes  the  grassy  mountain's  sides, 

And  smoothes  the  velvet  plain. 

The  beasts'  wide  wants  His  care  supplies, 

From  field  and  hill  and  wood  ; 
He  hears  the  nestling  ravens'  cries, 

And  gives  them  plenteous  food. 

He  joys  not  in  the  might  of  steeds, 
Or  champions  swift  and  strong  ; 

The  Lord's  delight  are  righteous  deeds, 
And  hearts  that  wait  Him  long. 

O  Salem,  let  thy  hymns  resound  ! 

Let  Sion's  God  be  bless'd ! 
His  arm  has  fenced  thy  ramparts  round, 

And  given  thy  children  rest. 

Through  all  thy  vales  He  yields  thee  peace, 

And  on  thy  guarded  shore  : 
And  fills  with  all  thy  fields'  increase 

Thy  garners'  golden  store. 

Wide  o'er  the  world  His  word  He  sends, 

And  fast  as  breezes  fly, 
To  utmost  earth's  untrodden  ends 

His  fleet  commandments  hie. 

He  spreads  like  wool  the  snowy  sheet, 

The  frost  like  ashes  casts  ; 
He  drives  in  storms  His  icy  sleet : 

And  who  can  bear  His  blasts  ? 


THE    PSALTER.  281 

He  sends  His  word :  o'er  frozen  plains 

The  vernal  breezes  blow ; 
And  leaping  from  dissolving  chains 

The  joyous  torrents  flow. 

He  showed  to  Israel  His  commands, 

To  Jacob's  seed  His  word : 
So  know  His  deeds  no  heathen  lands  : 

Oh,  praise  the  gracious  Lord  ! 


PSALM  CXLVIII. 

Praise  the  Lord ! 
Praise  Him  from  the  heavens  on  high ! 
Praise  Him  in  the  lofty  sky ! 
Praise  Him,  all  ye  angels  bright ! 
Praise  Him,  all  His  hosts  of  light ! 
Praise  Him,  sun  and  moon  afar ! 
Praise  Him,  every  radiant  star  ! 

Praise  Him,  heavens  that  heavens  upbear ; 

Waters,  higher  hung  in  air ; 

Let  them  praise  their  Maker's  name  ; 

For  He  called  them,  and  they  came  : 

He  has  fixed  their  places  fast, 

With  a  bound  which  ne'er  was  pass'd. 

Praise  the  Lord  from  earth  below, 
Monsters,  through  the  deep  that  go  ; 
Fire,  and  cloud,  and  snow,  and  hail ; 
And  th'  obedient  stormy  gale  : 


282  THE    PSALTER. 

Mountains,  and  the  highlands  all ; 
Fruitful  trees,  and  cedars  tall ; 

Beasts  that  field  or  forest  bore  : 
Worms  that  creep,  and  birds  that  soar ; 
Kings,  and  men  of  humble  birth ; 
Princes,  judges  of  the  earth  ; 
Youths  and  virgins,  flourishing 
In  the  beauty  of  your  spring  ; 

You  who  bow  with  age's  weight, 
You  who  were  but  born  of  late  ; 
Heaven  and  earth  with  due  consent, 
Praise  His  name  most  excellent ; 
He  His  saints  to  Him  shall  rear, 
Israel,  to  the  Lord  so  dear. 
Praise  the  Lord ! 


PSALM  CXLIX. 

Oh,  praise  ye  the  Lord  ! 

Prepare  your  glad  voice. 
His  praise  with  His  saints 

Assembled  to  sing : 
Before  our  Creator 

Let  Israel  rejoice, 
And  children  of  Sion 

Be  glad  in  their  King. 

And  let  them  His  name 
Extol  in  the  dance  : 


THE     PS  ALT  EL'. 

With  timbrel  and  harp 
His  praises  express  : 

"Who  always  His  servants 
Delights  to  advance, 

And  with  His  salvation 
The  humble  to  bless. 

His  saints  shall  sing  loud 

With  glory  of  joy, 
And  sleep  undismayed 

With  songs  in  the  night : 
The  praise  of  their  Sovereign 

Their  mouths  shall  employ, 
A  sword  in  their  right  hand, 

Two-edged  for  the  fight ; 

The  heathen  to  judge, 

Their  pride  to  consume, 
To  fetter  their  kii;^ 

Their  princes  to  bind: 
To  execute  on  them 

The  long-decreed  doom ; 
Such  honour  forever 

The  holy  shall  find. 
Praise  the  Lord  ! 


PSALM  CL. 

Praise  ye  the  Lord  ! 
Oh,  praise  God  in  His  holy  place, 
Where  He  unveils  His  radiant  grace  ; 


284  THE    PSALTER. 

Praise  Him  from  yon  celestial  arch, 
Where  holds  His  power  its  glorious  march  ; 

Oh,  praise  Him  for  His  deeds  of  might ; 
Oh,  praise  Him  in  His  realms  of  light ; 
Oh,  praise  Him  with  the  trumpet's  call ; 
Oh,  praise  Him  with  the  psaltery's  fall. 

Praise  Him  with  lyre  and  timbrel  sweet, 
And  measured  tread  of  dancing  feet ; 
And  praise  Him  with  the  notes  that  ring 
From  every  harp  of  every  string. 

Oh,  praise  Him  with  the  cymbals  loud  ; 
Oh,  praise  Him  with  the  cymbals  proud  ; 
Let  all  that  breathe,  with  glad  accord, 
Lift  up  their  voice,  and  praise  the  Lord. 
Praise  the  Lord ! 


THE     END. 


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